AFI FEST 2020: Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds
afi fest 2020Teaming up with Clive Oppenheimer as a co-director, Werner Herzog's newest documentary feature Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds looks to shine a light on the topic of meteorites in a fresh and engaging sense. Not only does the film explore the physical consequences of these rocks hitting earth but the film also gives time to the impact they have left on various communities and cultures, building a surprisingly nuanced perspective along the way.
In a matter extremely similar to another Apple TV+ project, Home, from earlier this year, Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds thrives the most when it uses its more objective subject matter to find the subjective effects it has had on the world around it. The engaging aspect of the film isn't when it is explaining the science behind meteorites or telling the history they have had on the physical earth; the engaging aspect of the film is when it pushes to find a deeper meaning and emotional purpose within its storytelling. The first is simply the wonder that comes with meteorites. Not only is the idea of rocks coming from outer space and colliding with earth naturally one that sparks the imagination of the mind but the actual process is straight out of a science fiction film. Using footage from around the world, the film brings these chaotic and exceptional events to life which, therefore, brings the state of wonder and awe out of the audience.
The deeper side of this is seeing how meteorites have left an impact on various cultures. The film travels the world allowing communities to speak for themselves and show how this scientific process has left its impact known on each society. From artwork to deeper beliefs and questions, this is the aspect that makes the film, at times, rise above that of a basic documentary and find an identity as something deeper. This gives a story, that could feel alien and uninteresting to most, a universal humanity to it. Even for those with no interest in the basic subject material itself, Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds is a film which carries enough thematic weight and depth to have some really powerful and moving moments that are sure to resonate with nearly all audiences on a deeper level than might be expected from a documentary such as this.
This isn't to say that the film overall completely lacks the more boring and empirical exploration of the subject. Where those interested in the science behind meteorites will love this side of the film, general audiences will feel the weight of the runtime – it is here where the film starts to drag. It isn't fully willing to let go of the cliches and traditions of documentaries which came before it, ultimately finding a balance that creates captivating moments scattered in a sea of overall lackluster conversation. The narration from Werner Herzog also does the film no favors. Though his distinct voice works for some films, here it took the life and energy away from multiple scenes really feeling distracting and out of place in the tone and flow of the film around it.
Whilst Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds might not be the next masterpiece documentary of 2020, it is worthwhile. Despite its slower moments, the film carries a weight and finds enough unique points of conversation to stand out and feel like an inspired effort. There are moments where the film authentically captures emotions of wonder and awe at not just the power of the universe but also the relationship between man and science. Especially since it’s soon to be available on Apple TV+, especially for those interested in the subject, Fireball: Visitors From Darker Worlds is worth a watch and will be an out of this world experience for some.
