-Written by Kyle Bain.
Chris Apassingok lives in the small town of Gambell, Alaska–located on St. Lawrence Island. Hunting and fishing are a way of life, what determines whether or not families are able to eat. When Chris kills a whale, an animal capable of feeding an entire village for months, he is quickly berated by people from around the world. He’s called a murderer, he’s told to kill himself; One with the Whale tells Chris’ story as he deals with the fallout of providing for his family.
It’s explained early on in this documentary that not all that long ago Gambell, Alaska didn’t have access to the internet. This quickly changed, however–and the state of this close-knit community changed with it. With access to the internet, and the whole world at their fingertips, Chris, his family, and those around him are forced to experience the wrath of the internet and of all of the horrible things that it makes possible. One with the Whale is a film about whaling and the importance it has on this community of people. However, it also works as a cautionary tale–warning viewers of the difficulties that may come from the interwebs and the people comfortable hiding behind a screen. One with the Whale works in multiple ways, and I think there’s a lot to be learned from Directors Peter Chelkowski and Jim Wickens.
One with the Whale isn’t a film that simply relies on storytelling, there’s action to be followed in order for the film to be successful. Directors of Photography Wickens and Chelkowski capture Chris and his family’s actions brilliantly throughout the course of the film. Viewers become immersed in the action of the film, allowing us to better understand and appreciate the culture on this remote Alaskan island.
There’s no doubt that viewers will go into this film troubled by the fact that Chris and his neighbors hunt whales (as it’s frowned upon throughout the majority of the world). However, the way in which this story is told, the way in which these directors, cinematographers, etc. frame it, I believe that viewers will be able to get on board, that they will–whether or not they love the idea of hunting whales–be able to appreciate why Chris does what he does.
I think that One with the Whale comes down to direction. Chris’ story is one that will turn up some noses–but I believe it’s one that deserves some attention. Chelkowski and Wickens are inviting throughout the course of this film, allowing viewers to appreciate a story that I think is an incredibly hard sell. They find ways to envelope viewers in Chris’ story, becoming engrossed in the action, in the literal hunt that exists. I thoroughly enjoyed One with the Whale, a top-tier documentary.
Directed by Peter Chelkowski & Jim Wickens.
Starring Daniel Takeva Appasingok, Susan Aakapak Apassingok, DAnielle Nalu Apassingok, Chris Agrigiiq Appasingok, Chase Puwiima Apassingok, etc.
8/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING
