‘Blink’ Review: Slight but Moving Nat Geo Doc Follows a Family of Six on an Unusual Bucket-List Trip

As a person who has had the privilege of witnessing a myriad of documentaries and narratives that delve into human resilience, I find “Blink” to be a profoundly moving and insightful piece of work. The story of Édith Lemay, Sebastian Pelletier, and their extraordinary children is one that resonates deeply with me, not only because of the unique circumstances they find themselves in but also due to the universal themes of love, family, and acceptance that permeate throughout.


As a devoted cinephile, I find myself deeply moved by the story of Édith Lemay and Sebastian Pelletier, a Canadian couple who have four extraordinary children. Unfortunately, three of their kids suffer from a condition at birth that will gradually rob them of their sight. Recognizing the fleeting moments they’ll miss out on due to their condition, these loving parents embark on an unforgettable journey to show their children the world before they lose their vision. This heartwarming tale could serve as the foundation for a powerful National Geographic documentary. The emotional depth of their situation is undeniable, and it presents a unique opportunity to shed light on retinitis pigmentosa – a less-known condition – to a wider audience. Furthermore, this story offers a rare chance to portray the rich experiences of visual impairment on screen, enlightening viewers about life from a perspective that’s often overlooked.

As a devoted admirer, I found myself captivated from the start by Edmund Stenson and Daniel Roher’s masterpiece, “Navalny.” The movie kicks off with an awe-inspiring scene reminiscent of “Lord of the Rings,” where we view six minuscule figures traversing a desolate snow-covered terrain from a divine perspective, later silhouetted against the distant horizon. This visual narrative poignantly underscores our human insignificance, persisting in the face of a vast, indifferent natural world that holds no regard for our aspirations and longings.

In a casual, observant manner, Stenson and Roher delve into the lives of this Montreal-based family. Léo, their nine-year-old son, stands out as the creative spark, being the only child without retinitis pigmentosa among them. Mia, aged eleven, takes on the role of the boss, a typical eldest child leader. Six-year-old Colin is the playful one, while Laurent, the youngest at four, is referred to as a deep thinker by his parents. The family’s parents are also introduced; Édith is more expressive and humorously admits that parenting feels like trying to maintain some semblance of control until you reach four children, at which point she suggests you just have to surrender to ‘chaos.’

Additionally, let’s delve into their medical situation, a regrettable progression in which cells in their retinas are dying gradually, leading to a reduction in their visual field. This means that Mia, Colin, and Laurent’s vision will eventually diminish significantly until they lose sight altogether. A poignant scene in the movie occurs when Laurent expresses his confusion about what it truly means to be blind, despite the topic being frequently discussed. Given his young age, this misunderstanding is somewhat reasonable; however, one might ponder whether the elaborate planning of their worldwide adventure serves as a coping mechanism for their condition, perhaps overshadowing the importance of acknowledging and understanding the reality of their situation.

In essence, the movie’s message hints towards this idea: What truly matters might be the shared moments within a family, rather than visiting giraffes, camels, or hiking the Himalayas. This notion is supported by the film’s content itself, as captivating nature footage has been seen before, and it’s difficult to surpass David Attenborough in this regard. However, the intimate footage of children playing, wrestling, and creating their own imaginary worlds is unique and adds a fresh perspective.

Towards the finale, a particularly poignant moment unfolds in Canada, featuring three youngsters who are soon to lose their sight. They’re engaging with not ordinary pets, but guide dogs-in-training – three of them. While the scene itself may appear commonplace, there’s an extraordinary layer beneath it.

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2024-10-05 00:16