This documentary chronicles the eruption and aftermath on New Zealand’s Whakaari (White Island) in 2019, which resulted in the deaths of 22 tourists and guides who happened to be on the site at the wrong time.  It is tightly edited so that the horrific injuries suffered by the survivors is minimized, yet it is still a harrowing glimpse into the tragedy.  It is also an inspiring tribute to the heroism of a few local people who responded with bravery and action while the government did not.

Rory Kennedy’s documentary mixes remarkable, beautiful footage of the volcanic island and its environs filmed before and after the event, with footage of the visitors to the island shot that fateful day, and more recent interviews revealing how they have adapted since the event.  The result is a film that imparts a strong sense of dread for about half an hour until the eruption takes place, then a harrowing account of what took place, followed by the even more remarkable response — both good and bad — to get those unfortunate people off the island.

The eruption itself is seen in photos and a bit of video but is not as visually impressive as it must have been in person, but footage seen from the Phoenix, a tourist boat just off the island, shows Whakaari completely enveloped by the dark pyroclastic cloud, and that is frightening.  Then the rescue begins, with the Phoenix returning to pick up survivors, and two privately-owned helicopters flying in to rescue the rest.  That story is fascinating and uplifting because these are local people doing the right thing, in some cases ignoring orders from the authorities to do so.  And that leads to an area where I think the documentary could have and should have been stronger.

Official rescue helicopters were dispatched to the island, and then recalled because of safety concerns.  The film softly implies governmental negligence because of this, a charge I think should have been made much more forcefully.  Rescue crews are supposed to fly into danger; that’s part of the job.  These crews, were called back due to official cowardice, and the New Zealand officials who made that decision should be ashamed, if not fired.  Even if the copters could not land, at least they would have been in position to help, or to communicate the situation.  Since this event occurred just three years ago, this may not be the last we hear about it.  In the meantime, this documentary tells the main part of the story with restraint and class and dignity, which the survivors certainly deserve.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  13 January 2023.