‘Conscious’ review – A documentary about the human condition and dementia

March 14, 2026

Conscious is a new documentary about the human condition and dementia.

Receiving its World Premiere, at the renowned CPH:DOX on 14th March, Suki Chan’s documentary entitled Conscious is about our relationship with our human consciousness and the slow degradation of the human mind through the affliction and disease of dementia.

Told with voiceovers and more candid conversations between sufferers and their loved ones. Those who are faced with the debilitating disease talk candidly about the slowing down of their bodies, the bodies that they have lived with for so long starts to let them down. They talk openly, in such existential terms as aware they will not be existing in years to come.

At times a hard watch due to the heartfelt nature of the content, you see the interviewees come to terms with it by way of talking to strangers, communicating with loved ones or writing down thoughts so they can remember what they did yesterday.

One emotional sequence, is a man, Michael, talking to himself in the mirror. Not recognising himself in the mirror, and becoming angry with that fact but not realising how agitated he is becoming to another. What you think of as a one-off is actually a dramatisation of a couple whose relationship is deterioating under the strain of his dementia, using transcripted dialogue for the couple to act out. It is startling but important that we see this honest depiction of such everyday trauma for one half of the relationship.

While a downbeat subject matter, there is nevertheless an optimism ringing out as we discover new scientific discoveries to overcome one of life’s great conundrums. This is helped by Chan’s sure-handede nuance in the director’s chair and the emotive score by Dominik Scherrer, a Novello Award winning composer.

Conscious is financed by Screen Scotland, BFI/Doc Society and Sundance. It received its World Premiere on 14th March at CPH:DOX in Copenhagen, Denmark.

3 responses to “‘Conscious’ review – A documentary about the human condition and dementia”

Claus Felby

March 15, 2026 at 10:17 pm

This came across as a dark movie focusing on the suffering from dementia. If you have loved ones with dementia, think twice before watching it.

The science part of the movie was quite superficial, and really did not bring much. It seemed like a lost opportunity.

Reply
Sue Beecraft

March 16, 2026 at 12:32 pm

This sensitively made documentary charts the changes that dementia may bring to an individual and their relationships, both positive and negative. It appeared to call on the revolutionary work of Kitwood who shifted the focus on dementia care to a person centred approach that prioritises the individual’s psychological, social and emotional needs. The film supports the idea that, despite the challenges that dementia presents, personhood can be maintained through relationships and supporting core needs. The stories of Wendy, Pegeen and Maureen shine a beam of light into this complex area. A must see.

Reply
elf100

March 17, 2026 at 1:22 pm

This film genuinely shifted my perspective, opening my eyes to the possibility that dementia can, in some cases, include moments of positivity for the person experiencing it. The stories are all real – some told first-hand by people living with dementia or their loved ones, and others sensitively portrayed by actors.

I was especially moved by Pegeen’s story. She described growing up with very little sense of self-worth, yet spoke of how dementia has brought her a new lightness – that fear has fallen away. I found her gentle, compassionate outlook on both her younger self and her present life deeply touching.

Because of this, I see the film quite differently from an earlier comment that described it as dark or something to avoid if you have a loved one with dementia. I came away feeling heartened and curious to understand more. It even softened my own fears, offering a new perspective: that while dementia involves cognitive decline, it does not necessarily erase a person’s sense of self.I

I was also struck by how a non-medical film made by an artist can expand our understanding in unexpected ways and remind of us of how much mystery still surrounds the brain and the mind.

While the film does not shy away from the very real distress dementia can bring to individuals and their families, I would still recommend it as an eye-opening exploration of some of the unexpected “gifts” that can emerge alongside it.

Reply

Chatter Box Film