‘Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff’ Review: Nanette Burstein’s NatGeo Doc Prioritizes the Human Over the Intellectual, for Better and Worse

Carl Sagan sent the Voyager telescopes into space, bringing humanity into perspective. The renowned astronomer had a charismatic, professorial demeanor, effortlessly sounding like he knew everything about the universe. Sagan utilized whimsical analogies to convey profound insights about Earth's place in the cosmos and the immense significance of every living creature.

The documentary "Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff" delves into Sagan's life and career, as well as his personal experiences. The film, directed by Nanette Burstein, begins with Sagan's parents, his inquisitive childhood, and his tumultuous marriage. As the story unfolds, it focuses on the relationship between Sagan and Ann Druyan, which sparked after their first meeting at Nora Ephron's apartment.

Druyan, who admitted to being high, was initially introduced to Sagan through his distinct laugh. Sagan enlisted Druyan to help create a golden record for the Voyager telescopes, showcasing information and art from around the world. Throughout their decades-long partnership, they worked on groundbreaking projects like the PBS series "Cosmos" and the novel "Contact."

Their love story, filled with unexpected admissions and hidden secrets, is both touching and inspiring. The documentary enriches its content with Sagan's mellow voice, sharing memorable quotes from "Cosmos" that would later be used in classrooms across the country. "Carl Sagan: We Are Made of Star Stuff" successfully captures the essence of Sagan's life, his accomplishments, and his profound impact on humanity.