Eli Roth has embarked on a thought-provoking journey into the funeral industry with his new documentary, *Death Boom*, which is set to premiere at the Tribeca Festival in June 2026. The film, co-produced and narrated by Roth, delves into a looming crisis prompted by the anticipated deaths of more than one billion Baby Boomers over the next 15 years. This demographic, comprised of individuals born between the mid-1940s and 1964, presents unprecedented challenges for the death care system.
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According to Roth, the funeral industry faces not only logistical hurdles but also significant environmental implications. Many traditional practices in this field can adversely affect the planet, raising questions about sustainability in how society handles death. Roth emphasises the critical nature of this discussion, asserting that it is an “environmental crime” that remains largely overlooked by the public. He recounts how he pitched the project to fellow producer Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom he had previously collaborated on the 2021 documentary *Fin*, focusing on sharks.
Directed by Jessica Chandler, *Death Boom* aims to merge hard-hitting realities with a touch of dark humour, helping to humanise a subject that can often feel overwhelming. Roth notes that Chandler’s directorial style plays a pivotal role in balancing the weight of the documentary’s themes while maintaining audience engagement. “It’s about finding the right tone,” Roth says, highlighting their shared vision as a crucial element of the film’s success.
Roth’s familiarity with the horror genre adds an intriguing layer to his participation in the documentary. After nearly 25 years of filming fictional deaths, he found himself confronted with the stark reality of death in a much different context. The documentary required him to step outside the confines of horror storytelling to engage with a subject that is profoundly real and impactful.
The process of filming took Roth to sustainable funeral homes, a stark contrast to the blood-soaked sets of his horror films like *Cabin Fever* and the *Hostel* series. He remarked on the authenticity of the experience, describing it as a “magic trick” that is far removed from the faux horror he is accustomed to. Roth expressed deep admiration for Chandler’s commitment as she immersed herself in the realities of mortuary services, where she witnessed firsthand the emotional weight carried by families facing loss.
Chandler echoed Roth’s sentiments, acknowledging the challenges faced by the crew during filming. The emotional intensity of speaking to grieving families proved to be particularly profound, adding layers of complexity to the documentary. She remarked that while seeing deceased individuals was shocking, conversing with their loved ones intensified the gravity of the subject. “That’s a whole other level,” Chandler stated, reflecting on the responsibility they felt to honour the stories of those involved.
As they worked on the documentary, both Roth and Chandler were tasked with finding a balance between the seriousness of death and the necessity of keeping the audience engaged without trivialising the topic. Roth noted the risks of overwhelming viewers with harsh realities, suggesting that it is vital to present the subject with a touch of levity while still prompting deep reflection. “We wanted something that would be entertaining and engaging and help people just shift their perspective on death,” he stated.
*Death Boom* is expected to provoke conversation not only about the funeral industry but also about individual choices related to death. Roth poignantly pointed out that while we have choices about many aspects of life, the processes surrounding death are often dictated by tradition, leaving little room for personal agency.
With its premiere at the Tribeca Festival approaching, Roth and Chandler hope to ignite meaningful discussions about a topic often shrouded in silence. The film will feature additional screenings following its debut, allowing a broader audience to engage with the pressing issues it raises about death care, environmental responsibility, and societal views on mortality.