Where does reality end? As the virtual world continues to merge with the real world, it's becoming more and more difficult to find a clear answer. Adele Tulli, whose documentary debut "365 without 377" was part of the 2011 WATCH DOCS program, returns with a film that defies easy classification. "Real" is a breathtaking journey through kaleidoscopically shifting digital realities. For some, it’s an oasis of freedom, a space where they explore their fantasies free from intolerance, societal pressures, and expectations. For others, it’s a terrifying hell of addiction. Still others see it as a global stage to showcase their talents—and profit from them. The director masterfully weaves together various threads, techniques, and conventions, presenting a wide array of digital innovations that challenge how we perceive the world and confront us with new dilemmas.

Konrad Wirkowski