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Poster for Better Living Through Chemistry

Better Living Through Chemistry

Seen it?

2021 | 87 min | Documentary

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

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Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Great for the curious. Steeped in the 1980s, from the music to the hair.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Well paced for a documentary, at 1 hr 27 min. Done before bedtime.
What might put you off
Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

In the 1970s, Dr. Alexander “Sasha” Shulgin significantly contributed to the development and psychopharmaceutical use of MDMA: a catalyst to personal doors entombed or unknown. His widow, co-author, and research partner, Ann—alongside friends, family, and colleagues—gives a guided tour of their life and laboratory, reflecting on how risks and revelations opened a world of compound enlightenment. Stippled with spirituality, sadness, and skepticism, the Shulgins’ chemical love story examines the power of psychedelic psychotherapy, sacred alchemy, and challenging the path of misunderstood resistance.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerNot counted

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    Not enough engagement data yet

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Cast & crew

Directed by Connie Littlefield

  • Ann ShulginSelf
  • Alexander ShulginSelf
  • Tania ManningSelf
  • Greg ManningSelf
  • Brian PerrySelf - Ann's Son
  • Renee Reeser ZelnickSelf
  • Mariavittoria ManginiSelf
  • Jennifer DumpertSelf
  • Fire ErowidSelf
  • Earth ErowidSelf