The Underwater Light
At a time of heightened space exploration, A Life Illuminated reminds us of the wonder we have right here on our own planet.
Through marine biologist Edie Widder, we gain a new appreciation as the 90-minute documentary follows her to the underwater light: bioluminescence.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Tasha Van Zandt, A Life Illuminated is a moving yet educational watch. As someone who has always feared what lies under the ocean, I finished the film with a new understanding and curiosity for it.
The cinematography and images in the film are an out-of-reality experience. Each time Dr. Widder descends in her submersible, we can see the waves swallow her in, and the light dims the deeper she gets. When the bioluminescent creatures start to appear, their glow is clear, and we witness the first time bioluminescence is recorded.
. . . what will stick with me is Dr. Widder’s illuminating story of determination and passion for marine research.”
It’s mesmerizing how much of the ocean the documentary is able to capture: everything from small ocean organisms to different gradients of blue underwater.
In addition to these images, the descriptive explanations of what she is seeing and encountering bring us with her on the journey. Using strong storytelling and often an escalation in the music, we are allowed to sit with every fear, doubt, interest and moment of gratitude that Dr. Widder feels.
The way the documentary tracks discoveries keeps it intriguing. As the story unfolds, so do the advancements in understanding bioluminescence, including its ability to attract other ocean animals. By developing new technologies that replicate the bioluminescent process and lead her on new missions, Dr. Widder achieves significant milestones, such as the first footage of a giant squid.
Although A Life Illuminated allows one of the closest looks at bioluminescent creatures and the deep sea on screen, what will stick with me is Dr. Widder’s illuminating story of determination and passion for marine research. The meaning she brings to the film will continue to remind me about the beauty our world has to offer.
Screenings of A Life Illuminated (90 minutes, USA, rated PG, in English) at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival April 23-28 are sponsored by Phil Wagner and Mary Blackler.