Documentary Review: ‘Antarctic Voyage’ – A World Unseen by Many and its Majestic Wildlife

“Being a field biologist today is the closest you can get to being an explorer from the past”. These are the words from Samantha Monier in a voiceover as the documentary film starts This is a fitting start to a film that immerses us in a surreal world of stark landscapes and resilient wildlife, exploring the fragile balance of nature in South Georgia, a remote island in the Antarctic.

Directed by Kevin Schreck, this documentary takes us on a journey aboard the research and supply vessel, ‘Laurence M. Gould‘, as scientists seek to understand how climate change and human activities have impacted the region and its wildlife.

At the heart of the film is Samantha Monier, a field biologist and the documentary’s primary voice. Not only is she the film’s key subject and scientific consultant, but her steady narration provides a human connection to the icy wilderness we experience in this film. She along with her fellow researchers, sets out to study the local wildlife on South Georgia, one of the world’s largest seabird colonies. Throughout the film, Monier shares her experiences and insights, highlighting the critical importance of environmental change efforts.

Dr Richard ‘Dick’ Veit, a Seabird Ecologist is one of the other subjects that is captured in this film. His deep expertise and passion for seabirds provide a grounding perspective. “If you are interested in seabirds, South Georgia is the place to go,” he says, capturing the sense of awe and scientific curiosity that seems to drive the mission for Samantha and the others on the vessel.

The film skillfully interweaves his observations with stunning footage of seabird colonies, illustrating how the island’s ecosystem supports these creatures while subtly also reminding viewers of how fragile that support is particularly now with climate challenges.

The other subjects in the film, including the ship’s captain, share details about the journey and life on the vessel as well. Overall, you are given the sense that regardless of how demanding the work they have taken upon themselves to do is, they are strengthened not only by their sense of commitment to the cause but also by a sense of communalism and camaraderie.

Kevin Schreck wears many hats on this project as he directed produced, wrote, filmed and edited this film. He knows exactly the film he set out to make and made sure he captured all that he needed to to make this film what it is.

In several ways, it doesn’t feel so much like the several other documentary films that focus on environmental protection issues that I have seen. This film regardless of the seriousness of its subject matter doesn’t feel preachy. It rather adopts an almost contemplative tone with an easy-going laid-back approach in how it brings its issues to bear to the viewer.

Visually, ‘Antarctic Voyage‘ is stunning. Schreck’s cinematography captures the raw, untamed beauty of the Antarctic. From the crashing waves to the towering icebergs, the film brings the audience into a world that few will ever experience firsthand. The classical score that accompanies these visuals throughout the film. Although the music is not original, it feels perfectly matched to the rhythms of the environment. It’s as if the symphony orchestra drew inspiration directly from the sights and sounds of South Georgia. However, there are a few moments where the music feels a touch overpowering, detracting from the natural ambience of waves, ice, and bird calls.

As the film draws closer to its end, it reminds us that while humanity inevitably impacts the world, that impact doesn’t have to be negative. This is  ‘Antarctic Voyage‘ central message, one that lingers long after the final scenes.

I will score this film 3.5 out of 5 stars. It successfully opens our eyes to a beautiful, distant part of the planet. A place we may never visit, but where our actions have rippling consequences. It’s a sobering realization, yet the film manages to leave us with a sense of hope. It seems to suggest that there is still time for us to make a difference by being thoughtful in our actions and inactions towards the earth as we share with other vulnerable creatures.