Caruso asks some big questions here, taking the fascinating scenario of a woman scientist trying to get a reluctant, male-driven hospital to perform the historic first radiographic scan of an Egyptian mummy.The philisophical challenge of furthering scientific inquiry at the expense of living patients waiting for their diagnosis combines with patriarchy, and with the quest for a name and immortality... This is a huge play that outshines its run time.

With AFTERLIFE, Iyna Caruso recounts an episode from the history of science: How what was in 1969 the latest innovation in diagnostic medicine revolutionized archeology and museum conservation. But what makes this a richly rendered is how Caruso describes the institutions where research is done, and the ethical and spiritual values and New York neighborhoods and sense of wonder that shaped and motivated the investigators, and make discovery possible.

This is a fascinating and wonderful story of science and its desire to discover (or uncover) the unknown. But also a desire for some form of immortality. I could picture this as a celebrity filled motion picture as well. I am all in for this wonderful story!