Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: FATHOM [Camden International Film Festival 2021 - Virtual]

The language of humpback whales, their harmonics and the ability to communicate over long distances has always been fascinating to humans but decoding or approaching, even with advanced technologies is still a mystery. It is a science that wracks the human brain. "Fathom", a documentary which was picked up by AppleTV, is intriguing not so much for the creatures that are being pursued but by the reflection on the two separate female scientists approaching the research from separate fields that are moving psychologically in different ways. Dr. Michelle Fournet is looking at the essence of repeating communications where the whales can identify each other. She puts the research to test in the field on an expedition to Alaska with friends and fellow colleagues. While their pursuits of the knowledge is interesting, it is the moments back at base camp playing on a swing or talking what they want for their life, regrets or coping mechanisms that gives a real feel to the research because it shows what it is invested and makes the journey more meaningful. Dr. Fournet gets choked up when her researched proves true and yet a discussion with a PhD friend and student about wanting to have a baby and that balance with her work is very human. Her friend then talks about returning to her partner and dog after spending time in Antarctica and realizing that life didn't fit her anymore. It is very powerful.

Of course the aspect of gender roles and reflection is an undeniably modern and pertinent conversation which interestingly enough has to do with communication and biology...the very thing that drives the whales. The other sciencetist pursuit is on the other side of the world in French Polynesia where Dr. Ellen Garland is seeing where circles of communication move and has far the communication of the whales moves. She loves being in the field but leaves her husband and kids at home. She is torn and yet loves the work. The interesting thing is that most of both of these ladies' story is about failure until there is success but also making their mark in formerly male circles. Garland seems truly happy when she finally finds the sounds she is looking for but the connection to home makes her sad which we happens when we see her on the phone, even as she is surrounded by such beauty, she seems incomplete which is of course is the irony. Those parallels of connection, what success is and goals are is not overdone. Director Drew Xanthopoulos, who filmed most of everything, gives the film an inherent intimacy and wistfulness which makes the documentary fulfilling. Little stylistic flourishes with the water and the animation of the whale song like stars bursting makes allusions to time and space. It is interesting because again, it is not so much about the whales but how they reflect our own existence and eventual extinction in the ideal of who we are and where our points are in the universe. B+

By Tim Wassberg