There are invisible forces around us all the time, allowing and regulating every aspect of our existence. It’s fascinating to think about but can be difficult to fully understand, especially given our species’ inclination towards visual learning. Independent Australian filmmaker Josef Gatti, with the help of his father and a few friends, has endeavored to show us these processes in motion, both so we can better comprehend them and so that we might marvel at their beauty. For the most part he has succeeded to stunning effect.
Across 10 sections, each focusing on one of these “phenomena”, Gatti uses seemingly simple science experiments (many of which should not be tried at home) captured with high-definition, high-framerate cameras to let us “see” these forces at work. It is likely that anyone whose YouTube algorithm is tuned towards science content will have seen similar visuals before, but this film still manages to feel utterly unique. The “Gravity” segment in particular will feel familiar to most, but thankfully it is also the shortest of the group.
With footage shot around the Australian countryside and some behind-the-scenes set-up shots between the segments, overlayed with simplistic but often moving explanations of the principles on display, everything coheres into a satisfying whole. But it really is the experiments themselves that make this worth watching, specifically the awe-inspiring images they produce. Perfectly accompanied by the music of Nils Frahm and Rival Consoles, the experience can sometimes feel like a compilation of techno music videos, only tangentially concerned with education. But watching Phenomena it is impossible to care, with the viewer too absorbed by the mesmerizing shapes and figures seemingly dancing across the screen.
The film opens strongly, with first segment “Light” and its use of bubbles setting the tone for what’s to follow. Each of the others offer their own pleasures, but “Matter”, “Energy”, and “Electromagnetism” are particular highlights, each featuring moments of such unexpected beauty that they elicit unexpected swells of emotion in the viewer. On the other hand, “Nuclear” and the closing duo of “Quantum” and “Life” perhaps most make us feel as if we are truly beginning to understand something for the first time while still triggering our innate curiosity.
Phenomena is a genuine marvel of a movie. It’s as impossible to tear your eyes away from the arresting images as it is to walk away from the experience without feeling a greater appreciation for the universe around us. Awe-inspiring, thought-provoking, and often moving, this demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Gatti has gifted us with a truly wondrous piece of work in this visual meditation on the magic of existence that will forever imprint itself upon all who see it. ★★★★½
not rated. contains a brief drug reference.
★★★★★ = Excellent | ★★★★ = Very Good | ★★★ = Good | ★★ = Fair | ★ = Poor
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