On July 17, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was shot down over eastern Ukrainian airspace, resulting in the tragic death of all 298 passengers on board. The incident occurred in an area where pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces were in conflict over the attempt to establish independence for Donetsk in Ukraine. The documentary Iron Butterflies delves into this event by examining key factors such as the Russian missile system implicated in the incident, the trial initiated by a Dutch court in 2020, and the subsequent verdict in 2022. However, in addition to its analytical approach, the documentary also includes interviews with individuals connected to the victims and incorporates performance scenes directed by the filmmaker to convey a sense of loss and mourning. Furthermore, the narrative highlights the presence of experts on board the ill-fated plane, en route to a global conference focused on overcoming HIV. This starkly reminds us of the sacrifices made by scientists who dedicated their lives to battling diseases, and how humanity may have missed opportunities to find answers to diseases like AIDS due to such tragedies. The film underscores how war has obstructed collective global efforts to address and move forward with solutions. The incident's aftermath in 2022 reveals Russia's significant invasion of Ukraine, demonstrating the devastating impact of conflicts on international stability and progress.