The Most Unknown

The story

An epic documentary film that sends nine scientists to extraordinary parts of the world to uncover unexpected answers to some of humanity’s biggest questions. How did life begin? What is time? What is consciousness? How much do we really know? By introducing researchers from diverse backgrounds for the first time, then dropping them into new, immersive field work they previously hadn’t tackled, the film pushes the boundaries of how science storytelling is approached. What emerges is a deeply human trip to the foundations of discovery and a powerful reminder that the unanswered questions are the most crucial ones to pose. Directed by Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Ian Cheney and advised by world-renowned filmmaker Werner Herzog, The Most Unknown is an ambitious look at a side of science never before shown on screen.

Cast & crew

Jennifer L. Macalady

Jennifer L. MacaladySelf - Microbiologist, Penn State University

Davide D'Angelo

Davide D'AngeloSelf - Physicist, Università degli Studi di Milano

Axel Cleeremans

Axel CleeremansSelf - Cognitive Psychologist, Université libre de Bruxelles

Luke McKay

Luke McKaySelf - Astrobiologist, Montana State University

Rachel L. Smith

Rachel L. SmithSelf - Astrophysicist, North California Museum of Natural Sciences

Erik CordesSelf - Ecologist & Chief Expedition Scientist, Temple University

Victoria Orphan

Victoria OrphanSelf - Geobiologist, California Institute of Technology

Jun Ye

Jun YeSelf - Physicist, University of Colorado-Boulder & National Institute of Standards and Technology

Anil Seth

Anil SethSelf - Neuroscientist, University of Sussex

Laurie Santos

Laurie SantosSelf - Cognitive Psychologist, Yale University