The heartfelt documentary Blink chronicles the tale of the Pelletier family, who live the best of life and have big plans and a busy schedule. However, the kids have a particular condition: retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic disease that causes a progressive loss of vision. Even worse, two of her younger siblings, Laurent and Colin, have the same condition.
Oscar-winning filmmakers Daniel Roher (Navalny) and Edmund Stenson direct with mixed emotions, expressing the playful tenderness of optimism with kids having a blast and discovering the world while learning about themselves. The commitment to each other and the family is apparent throughout. As the oldest of six, I appreciate this perspective and can relate to the chaotic energy of an active family on the go.
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Their expedition’s vivid animation brings to life their trips in a fun and playful tone, embodying the unexpected optimism of creating new memories filled to the brim with excitement and joy. Their itinerary is a testament to their adventurous spirit: everything from sleeping on a train to eating ice cream in Turkey to riding horses in Mongolia. The places they go are visually stunning.
The children’s journey to see the world before they lose more of their vision is a poignant reminder not to take life for granted, especially in the context of their progressing disease. The kids playing with each other with the stunning backdrop (and off their phones) was an impactful moment that stuck with me days later. See the world before you can’t. It inspires viewers to live life to the fullest, and the places they travel to offer incredible sights and new experiences. There is a lot to take in.
From the setup to the adventure and the satisfactory ending,, thanks to the Pelletier family.
Blink is now in theaters nationwide and will stream on NatGeo later this year.
