Educational Media Reviews Online

People facing death, such as those with terminal illness, may find themselves hyperaware of life and the living world around them. Likewise, those closest to them may experience similar feelings. The film The Magnitude of All Things compares that with the feeling many have right now regarding climate change and the fate of living creatures on earth. It compares the grief of losing a relative to how some feel about what we may lose due to climate change. It is an interesting way to connect to viewers, inspire empathy, and convey to them how people concerned about climate change are experiencing feelings of worry for the future, grief about what is being lost, regret about things not done, and helplessness.

This feeling of helplessness is a recurring theme among those interviewed, as although most of the damage done to the climate is from a small group of industries and countries, it affects everyone on Earth. One example of this is given by Anote Tong, the former President of the Republic of Kiribati. It is predicted by scientists that this island nation will be completely underwater by 2100. However, they already experience water entering their homes during high tides. The former President notes that it would be fine if countries seeking economic growth were able to contain their greenhouse gas emissions within their own borders, but that, of course, is not possible.

Selfishness is another recurring topic of discussion. One interviewee, a marine scientist who studies coral reefs, recalls how the death of his young daughter taught him that there were more important things in the world than himself. He believes the Earth is one of those things, and wonders if those who are damaging the climate have not had the opportunity to learn that lesson and lose their selfish outlooks.

Many films about climate change have a defeatist tone. While this film acknowledges the bleak future facing life on Earth unless drastic changes are made, it leaves viewers with a way to emotionally cope with it. Viewers who have experienced and survived grief will learn that they can face environmental grief the same way. Another perspective is provided by Roger Hallam, the Extinction Rebellion co-founder, who claims in an interview that instead of causing people to lose hope and become complacent, presenting a message with a tone of despair will spur people into action as he believes depressed and angry people feel driven to act.

The film features readings of letters written by the director’s sister and weaves between actor portrayals of her sister and interviews with Elders, activists, scientists, and politicians. The English subtitles that are used occasionally are legible, and the overall production of the film is excellent. In addition to its discussion of grief, the film exposes viewers to examples of how climate change is affecting people in a variety of locations, from Canada, to Australia, to the Amazon rainforest. Viewers who believe climate change does not affect them will see how it is affecting people regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.

It is highly recommended for courses in environmental studies or psychology.

Awards:
Winner, Audience Choice Award, DocLands Documentary Film Festival; Winner, Best Canadian Feature, Planet in Focus International Environmental FF; Official Selection, IDFA; Official Selection, Vancouver International Film Festival; Official Selection, Cinequest Film Festival

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