Movie Review
The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari is essentially a game of Russian Roulette gone terribly wrong. Back in 2019, the popular tourist destination White Island (Whakaari) erupted, killing 22 men and women. Since the volcano was still active at the time, the tourist board would bring visitors to the island, drive to the rim of the crater, take some pictures, and head home, essentially screwing up everyone's lives.
When the volcano erupted explosively, covering the ground with a pyroclastic flow and billowing plumes of black ash, the rescue operation began. At the time of the eruption, 47 people were still on the island.
What follows is a series of talking head interviews interspersed around stock footage of the island or phone footage of shivering survivors. Helicopters and rescuers are scrambling to reach the island - still more than an hour out and ignoring government directives - to try to rescue those still there.
The film ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about why we should never take Mother Nature for granted. The sheer size and scale of volcanoes is hard to understand unless you've actually been there or seen it up close. As someone who has climbed Mount Vesuvius and toured the ruins of Pompeii, it really gives you a new respect and awe for the power of these volcanoes.
The documentary itself, while sometimes quite heart-wrenching, showcases the best of humanity. When some of the survivors are faced with fight or flight moments, everyone chooses to help their fellow man, which is great to see.
The pulsating soundtrack really works to heighten the sense of tension before and after the eruption, the editing is excellent throughout.
Overall
Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari is a really solid documentary and well worth watching. The story is solidly constructed, the interviews are informative and eye-opening, and the tone focuses on the sheer courage and heroism that goes into saving as many people as possible. You won't be disappointed with this one.
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