As a seasoned traveler who has traversed the globe many times over, I find myself utterly captivated by the heartwarming tale of Mia, Colin, Laurent, Edith, and Sébastien, as chronicled in “Blink“. What strikes me most is the indomitable spirit these children display as they gallop across Mongolian plains, surf the azure waves of Indonesia, and even sit atop a camel sipping juice – moments that fill us with wonder and admiration.
In the moving new documentary titled “Blink,” you might find yourself questioning whether directors Daniel Roher and Edmund Stenson could have emphasized more intensely the heart-wrenching elements of their subjects’ narrative. Given that the film is based on two Montreal parents who discover that three out of their four elementary-aged children are gradually losing their sight, it seems plausible to heighten the urgency or evoke sympathy for the tragic destiny looming over three charming and innocent youngsters. However, rather than focusing on the ticking clock or eliciting tears from the cruel fate, Roher and Stenson opt for a more profound and uplifting approach.
In response to their children’s heartbreaking diagnosis, Edith and Sébastien Pelletier chose an extraordinary path: they embarked on a year-long global journey with their kids, capturing as many stunning sights as they could before the world around them would fade forever. The film avoids being overly dramatic, instead offering a tender, family-oriented perspective on these remarkable parents and their courageous children. It’s also a poignant reminder that we all, in one way or another, tend to overlook the breathtaking beauty our planet holds.
Three Adorable Children Face a Tragic Diagnosis
As a movie enthusiast, I found Roher’s previous documentary, “Blink,” to be a stunning departure from the usual. The film takes us on a journey through captivating locales, with cinematographer Jean-Sébastien Francoeur masterfully capturing every frame. Initially, the story appears to be a tragic one, but it transforms into something breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring as we get to know the Lemay-Pelletier family.
Regarding the children, neither Colin nor Laurent fully understand what it signifies to be blind; Colin assumes it means he can own a cat. In reality, Edith and Sébastien are in a race against time as they try to expose the visually impaired threesome to various shapes, colors, and marvels of the world. Consequently, they asked their offspring to compile a list of desired experiences, which led to an around-the-world journey that would encompass Oman, Egypt, Nepal, Ecuador, Thailand, and numerous other distant locations.
A Story of Resiliency and Adventure
In our filmmaking approach, apart from a few interviews with Edith and Sébastien, Roher and Stenson opted to let things unfold organically. We positioned our cameras at a child’s perspective, offering us a captivating view of Mia, Colin, and Laurent’s tenacity as they galloped horses in Mongolia, caught waves in Indonesia, and, quite endearingly, sipped juice while perched on a camel – one of the quirkier items on their adventure list.
In this heartwrenching scenario, since the children are too young to express their deep emotions and Sébastien lacks much wisdom to share, it falls mainly on the articulate Edith, coupled with our empathy for the family’s struggles and some touching scenes involving the kids, to carry the weight of the emotional burden. The poignant moment when Laurent gazes in awe at a butterfly, presumably for the last time, tugs at our heartstrings, as does his subsequent sadness over missing birthday photos due to impending blindness. Similarly, Colin’s tearful farewell to a dog he encountered in the Himalayas is likely to stir emotions in us as well.
In Blink, Terrifying Moments Become Timely Metaphors
Roher and Stenson wisely avoid the complexities of visiting more than two dozen countries in a year on just $200 per day. However, when their family found themselves stranded for over nine hours on an aerial tramway above an Ecuadorian jungle – from the brightness of the afternoon into the ominous night – it was a metaphor too enticing to overlook. Editors Ryan Mullins and Miranda Yousef generally maintain a passive stance, allowing moments where vision impairment arises, such as when Colin briefly steps away from a friendly soccer match due to poor visibility (“I have a technique” he explains before rejoining the game).
Blink is frequently a breathtaking spectacle, and its striking images – such as the majestic Himalayas and an enchanting Ecuadorian hot air balloon ride – hold a deeper meaning as we ponder if these could be the last sights ever seen by Mia, Colin, and Laurent. The movie additionally features scenes of the children forming special bonds with some extraordinary individuals they encounter, like those in a secluded Amazon community. This gives Edith comfort, knowing her kids will learn to connect with people even in difficult circumstances.
Blink Generates Power by Not Playing Up the Drama
Blink is a commendable mid-level documentary from National Geographic, standing alongside notable productions like the Academy Award-winning Free Solo and the Academy Award-nominated Fire of Love and The Cave. Unlike other films that intensify the drama or depict families as victims, directors Roher and Stenson effectively convey that the children’s uncertain future could indeed prove rewarding. They also remind us to embrace and experience the world as much as possible, for one day, the light will fade for us all.
Blink will be released in theaters on October 4 and stream on Disney+ by the end of 2024.
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2024-10-02 04:04