Travel documentaries are often a great way to see the world for those of us without the means to visit these destinations ourselves. Typically, the premise for traveling in these films is simply to showcase beautiful places. However, Blink, directed by Edmund Stenson and Daniel Roher, offers the audience a much more emotional scope to witness the journey through. It’s a documentary with a subject that had the potential to be emotionally devastating, but instead finds a way to celebrate life, love, and family.
Blink tells the heartfelt story of the Pelletier family: a family of six who embark on a world tour after three of their four children are diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a rare and incurable disorder that will lead to permanent blindness. The Pelletiers set off on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to witness the beauty of the world while their children can still see it.
Edith and Sébastien face an incredibly difficult task. Never mind that they are raising multiple children, which any parent knows is anything but simple – but now, they must navigate this diagnosis and help their young children understand what it means for their future as well. Taking on a journey that would be challenging for any couple becomes even more complex with four children in tow.
In preparation for their year-long trip, the children—Mia, Léo, Colin, and Laurent—created a list of things they wanted to do, which included sleeping on a train, horseback riding in Mongolia, swimming with dolphins, and eating ice cream. This list guided part of their itinerary – but in 2022, they set off without a strict plan. The documentary follows the family as they travel through Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Nepal, Mongolia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Ecuador.
There are many incredible shots in the film that showcase the beauty and culture of each destination. Alongside these, the film captures real moments of struggle, from being away from home to dealing with an unwanted medical condition and, above all, what it means to be a family through it all. It is a visually stunning, deeply emotional exploration of family and adventure. The vulnerability Blink captures is impressive, allowing the audience to truly become part of their experience. What could have been emotionally manipulative instead becomes a celebration of life, teaching us to appreciate its beauty in a much more inspirational way. The lessons the family learns at each destination are not lost on the film or its viewers.
One particularly harrowing sequence shows something going wrong in a way that was clearly unexpected. It hit hard for me, as it touched on a personal fear I’ve always considered irrational—until I saw it happen to this family. Ultimately, the situation resolves positively, but the tension in the moment is palpable. It also raises logistical questions about filmmaking that have left me pondering them since.
Blink is an exceptional travel documentary, elevated by the humanity of its subjects; a breathtaking journey that blends the beauty of the world with the power of human connection. The film is a powerful reminder that no problem is insurmountable if you have the support of those you love.
Blink will be in theaters on October 4.
Rating: 4/5
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