Documentary Film Review

Spermworld (2024) — a fascinating look at the weird world of online sperm donation

Three men enter the new wild west of baby making — online forums where sperm donors connect with hopeful parents — but find themselves exchanging more than just genetic material.

The most immediately striking aspect of Lance Oppenheim’s documentary Spermworld is its sense of intimacy. Even in the shot selection itself, the viewer is placed on the frontlines of the film’s conversations, at times being brought uncomfortably close to the drama that unfolds as these subjects willingly discuss some of the most sensitive topics in their lives. Not only that but these scenes are depicted in such a candid way that they genuinely feel unscripted.

When reflecting on the real people involved in Spermworld, it’s difficult not to consider or refer to them as characters. The film’s visual style lends itself well to this sense of intimacy, with establishing shots of outdoor locations or hallways that possess a dreamlike quality, which perfectly…