Encounters at the End of the World [Movie Review]

I had the opportunity to see filmmaker Werner Herzog’s latest project this July at the Angelika Film Centre in Dallas. And, with outdoor temperatures skyrocketing to 108, º Herzog’s journey to Antarctica was more refreshing than a lime sorbet.

Encounters at the End of the World begins on a crowded military plane hailing from New Zealand; apparently the best way to get to the South Pole. Much of the film takes place in McMurdo, Antarctica’s largest (who knew?) town.

Herzog obviously develops a love-hate relationship with McMurdo, or he is at least initially perplexed by it. With a population of nearly 1,000, it looks more like an industrial mining town than a community at the “end of the world.” He half-jokingly refers to the town’s yoga studios and ATM machines as abominations.

During his stay in Antarctica, Herzog has the opportunity to accompany scientists at several research sites, even diving below the level of ice to point the lens at some of the shockingly beautiful creatures that thrive beneath.

All of McMurdo’s residents have unique stories to tell. Some are modern nomads, fleeing to Antarctica to escape the complexities of life in their home countries. As seasoned travelers who have done-it-all, and seen-it-all, they find Antarctica to be a sort of last frontier.

Most are scientists and academics, sometimes working menial jobs just for the opportunity to live in this amazing place. We meet PhD’s waiting tables, and Linguists tending greenhouses. Even against the spectacular backdrop of Antarctica, without giving away too much, the human element of this film is what makes it truly remarkable.









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