Netflix will release a documentary titled Open Wide this month, showcasing the unconventional practices of a 96-year-old orthodontist named John Mew. In addition to John, it will feature his son, Mike Mew, as they join hands to revolutionize mainstream orthodontics.
According to Variety, the father-son introduced the world to a technique called “mewing.” Even though it isn’t scientifically proven, the technique involves lifting the patient’s jawline. Furthermore, it is said to improve a person’s sleep and relieve them from pain.
The official synopsis of Open Wide reads, “John Mew has waged a lonely war against the industry — and that teenage rite of passage, braces, for decades. With his son Mike now taking up the fight, the Mews’ fringe theories have turned into a full-blown online sensation.”
It further reads, “But even while mewing goes viral on TikTok and the Mews churn out content for their millions of followers, Mike is pursued by the British Orthodontic Society and threatened with expulsion by the very people who took away his father’s license.”
Directed by Sara Goldblatt, Open Wide will be available to watch on the OTT platform on January 23, 2024. The documentary has been produced by A24, Cristina Costantini, and Darren Foster of Muck Media.
Open Wide on Netflix: Are John Mew’s methods scientifically proven?
According to WebMD, the idea behind mewing is to transform the shape of one’s jawline. However, there is no scientific research behind this. Moreover, experts say that this technique will not lead to any significant or permanent change.
Open Wide director Sara Goldblatt said, “What’s in a face? The answer I learned from John and Mike Mew is: so much more than you think. I was drawn to the two men because of the controversy surrounding their unorthodox beliefs, and discovered a story about family and legacy and why we care about the things we care about. It’s a real rabbit hole, and I hope people will enjoy going down it as much as I did.”
While much about the technique has yet to be scientifically proven, the upcoming documentary promises to shed much light on “mewing” as well as the father-and-son duo. Watch Open Wide on Netflix on January 23, 2024.
