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"What if tomorrow, there was no more opportunity?"
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin's The Rescue, their follow-up documentary to their Oscar-winning doc, Free Solo is a tale of human condition and feats of extraordinary bravery. The Tham Luang cave rescue was news I wasn't ever particularly aware of, which was a benefit as a viewing experience, as I didn't know what the final moments of the film would be like - horrifically upsetting or hugely celebratory. The film works, either way, I think - in the know, or in the dark - because Vasarhelyi and Chin make it their mission to provide unique insight and drama to real-life stories.
The story is unfathomable, one that seems to turn at the drop of a hat, with crucial factors such as weather, international cooperation, and risk tampering with best-laid plans. It feels like the team behind the film managed to pull everybody in for an interview they could, adding this fascinating commentary over the catalogue of extensive news reportage and body camera footage taken during the crisis itself. It's emotionally tough to watch, as even the emotionally detached divers produce strong reactions when reflecting on the event.
The Rescue is a fantastic documentary, handled with real care. The directors put away the flashy shots from Free Solo and let the story come to the forefront in this outing. It becomes equal parts a tale of rescue and investigation of a marginal extreme sport in the process of its runtime; however, what is most special is the response it will generate within you. I hope Varsarhelyi and Chin continue to put out work of this calibre in the future.
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