Metamorphosis

The Netherlands2023documentary98'Docs+Science

Maria Sibylla Meriam was Mary of flowers and butterflies. This 17th century German researcher was the precursor of entomology, ecology and developmental biology. The results of her unique observations, carried out throughout her lifetime, can be found in albums where the intimate life of insects was portrayed with scientific discipline and artistic talent. Pim Zwier, a Dutch filmmaker and photographer, walks in her footsteps subjecting viewers to an experiment aiming to test their patience and attentiveness. If they fall under the spell of the documentary’s meditative vein, they will tune in to the natural rhythm of nature studied by Meriam. If they become more alert, they will notice that ascetic ‘Metamorphosis’ is not solely about the transformation of insects.