THE MESSENGER: A Story of mRNA

How the COVID Vaccine Was Made Possible
(translated from French)

mRNA tells our body what protein to create. The documentary uses the image of a cooking recipe transmitted to the chef, who then destroys it once the dish is ready.
This documentary was filmed before the 2023 Nobel Prize was awarded to Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, who among other protagonists of the film contributed to the development of medicine.
The documentary also gives the floor to Robert Malone, who was one of the first to introduce mRNA into cells in order to make them produce proteins, but who has become an opponent of the Covid vaccine and a definite asset to the anti-vax campaign.

This remarkable film chronicles one of humanity's most incredible technical achievements: the development of mRNA vaccines and medicines. It weaves a compelling historical narrative around the key innovators in this field, showcasing how collaboration for a common good leads to extraordinary results. A true life medical drama of epic proportions; a must see!

My personal favorite moment of the film is a question of the relationship between science and the capitalist economy. This moment gives us a good grasp of the ambiguous nature of patents: on the one hand, they are an object of suspicion and even rejection for scientists who see science as a global public good; on the other, they are an essential incentive for investors to devote the resources to biotechs that will ensure the continuation of researchers' scientific activities.
THE MESSENGER's qualities are undeniable, as is its ability to educate, at a time when so much misinformation is circulating on social networks.

The movie THE MESSENGER provides exciting insights into the world of mRNA technology and medical biotech in general. The producers use interviews with relevant experts to tell an engaging origins story of the mRNA vaccines, which were first used against covid-19. In doing so, the film masterfully balances accessibility with accuracy and objectivity. It is a backstory to events we are all familiar with, told in a refreshing and unbiased manner.

The Messenger is a great primer for anyone wanting to better understand the new world of RNA vaccines and therapeutics, as told by the scientists at the forefront of this technology themselves. The documentary covers the scientific breakthroughs that enabled the rapid development of the mRNA-based Covid vaccines, as well as the future outlook of the technology, interspersed with easy-to-follow animations covering the key scientific concepts. The film also doesn’t shy away from the controversy that accompanied the rollout of the Covid vaccines, acknowledging the real-world challenges faced by the field. In all, a must-watch for anyone with an interest in RNA-based medicines.