Are we alone in the universe? It’s been a question that’s haunted scientists, civilians, and sci-fi writers alike for hundreds of years. Unacknowledged, a new documentary about the existence of aliens, may not have definite proof about whether or not aliens exist, but it certainly offers enough of a compelling argument to make even the most skeptical Scully raise an eyebrow.
Following Dr. Steven Greer, Unacknowledged makes the claim that the United States government has been covering up the existence of aliens for decades. However, the documentary’s biggest strength is its extensive list of subjects. Rather than just focusing on a couple of key figures, director Michael Mazzola’s documentary offers dozens of talking head interviews, all of which claim to have seen an alien or UFO, been in contact to an alien, or have seen classified information that proves the existence of aliens. Additionally, most of these interviews come from former military personnel rather than civilians, adding another layer of authenticity to the documentary’s claims. Initially the theories Unacknowledged propose sound insane, but after a nonstop parade of testimonies and footage from JFK and both Bill and Hillary Clinton talking about alien life, it starts to toe the line of possibly believable. And if it’s not that, then it’s at least entertaining.
However, no alien documentary is worthwhile without a crazy conspiracy theory, and Unacknowledged is no different. At one point, the documentary proposes that Marilyn Monroe didn’t die of an overdose. Instead, she was killed to prevent her from leaking the government’s secrets, which included the U.S.’s ties to aliens. Greer initially poses the theory as coming from singer Burl Ives before pointing to a document that was filed a couple of days before Monroe’s death and calling it a “virtual death warrant.” The alleged document says that after Monroe was forced to end things with both Kennedy brothers, she threatened to host a press conference where she would tell everything. That everything supposedly included top government secrets as well as knowledge of a secret air base that was designed to examine “things from outer space.” Greer’s implication is that Monroe’s death a few days later happened as a result of the threat she made. You can watch Greer’s explanation of the Monroe conspiracy theory on Gizmodo.
Of course, there’s no telling whether or not that conspiracy theory is true. It’s also just an anecdote in an hour and 45 minute documentary that’s primary purpose is to expose the existence of aliens. However, Unacknowledged is nothing if not an interesting watch even if you don’t believe its other worldly claims. It’s a documentary about aliens that’s relatively well-reasoned and has a much higher production value than other documentaries on the subject, but it still maintains the fast pace most conspiracy theories videos are known for.
Whatever side you fall on in the alien debate, Unacknowledged will likely won’t change your mind. For believers, the documentary stands as a well researched and structured argument about the existence of life on other planets — qualities most specials on this subject typically lack. For people who don’t believe, it’s a fun-to-watch documentary filled with conspiracy theories. Either way, it’s definitely worth pouring yourself a drink and pressing play.
