The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari

As "The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari" (2022 release; 98 min) opens, we are introduced to a small community on the North Island of New Zealand. Thirty miles off the coast lies Whakaari, or "White Island", one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and a popular tourist attraction. It is "December 9, 2019" as tourists arrive on the island... At this point we are less than 10 min into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from director Rory Kennedy, who just earlier this year made the excellent "Downfall: The Case Against Boeing". Here she reflects on that fateful day in December, 2019, when a group of tourists visiting Whakaari find themselves trapped when the volcano erupts. Let me admit up front that I had not heard of this tragedy before seeing this. A couple of things struck: first and foremost, the beauty of that island (someone remarks "it's like landing on the moon"), resulting in absolutely stunning photography (and immediately wanting to add this island to my "bucket list" of places to visit). But also this: there is a reason why the island is called "the most active volcano in the world", as this type of eruption apparently happens with regularity (as in: also in 2016, also in 2013, etc.). It is telling that after the 2019 eruption, the island was closed permanently to visitors, Along the way, we get lots of talking heads, including tourists who survived, first responders, etc.

"The Volcano: Rescue From Whakaari" had a brief US theatrical release, and started streaming on Netflix this weekend, where I caught it. In and of itself there is nothing "revolutionary" about this disaster documentary, but watching the footage of this far flung location, literally at the end of the world, makes this worthwhile. Of course don't take my word for it, so I readily encourage you to check it out and draw your own conclusion.

I don't post much on here but I want to say something .... I can't imagine going through what everyone there went through. I will try to keep my words short. 1. This was something that everyone there was looking forward to as an adventure that many others went before. If I was there I would have thought not me. It's not going to happen while I'm here for these few moments. 2. The way everyone came together shows you the true human side of people to help others and not give up. 3. My prayers and thoughts to everyone involved. One more thing.... Speaking on how the doc was done. Whoever said this is long, it's not. It was straight forward and done extremely well. I believe it showed courage and determination. I'm so sad this happened but the doc gives you a first hand look of what everyone went through and puts you right there to relieve a horrible experience that makes you think on your own life and how we as people, we take things for granted on a daily basis. I also still can't imagine the strength it took for everyone involved to show us how and what they experienced.

This documentary about the tragic eruption in 2019 of the Whakaari volcano that killed 22 people and injured more shows the reason for the attraction that these people, and many more before them, had for visiting. Despite the potential danger, it's as beautiful a place as one can imagine. It had previously erupted in 2013 and 2016, so I'm not so sure I would have gone there in 2019 as a three year pattern, even if just a coincidence, had emerged. In any event, the poor people who happened to visit on that particular day suffered horrendously and some of the survivors are here to tell, and in some cases, show what occurred. Some of it is actual footage taken by some who survived and some of it is recreated events narrated by those there that day. The human survivor focal points are a couple who were there on their honeymoon and a young man who lost his entire immediate family and somehow, miraculously survived while with them. He alone will break your heart offering inspiration as well. Included are are also some very, very moving recollections of the bravery of many. This is a difficult re-telling of the events to hear, but oddly, there is no mention of all of the legal ramifications that occurred afterwards as there was some warning that the volcano could possibly erupt. The end credits make it clear that no one was ever held responsible despite that fact. The newlywed husband, a very congenial man to listen to, states at one point he would never had gone had he had been aware of all the facts that were known that day and you can just feel the pent up rage he is feeling beneath that veneer. Tours of this island are no longer allowed.

I am the type of person who would've done this excursion. I love nature, I love adventure, and appreciate the awesome power of the Earth and the dangers it possesses. This sort of tragedy is very sad though while I understand why they closed the island to guests after this tragic day I don't think it was totally necessary. You go on these tours because of the risk. You sign your life away before he tour because of this risk. As tragic as this was and I truly feel for the families, I think tours should still be allowed to this island.

With that said I think the documentary was very well done and did a great job of showing the viewer the landscape and power of the island as well as the culture.

Honest and balanced but can't help feeling the victims deserved tough questions to be asked about the lack of early warning systems, lack of requirement for appropriate safety equipment to be carried or stored on the island. The survivors bravery for telling their stories was incredible and the creators deserve credit for sharing them so honestly. Have to hope that other similar volcano tourism operations around have taken note and adjusted safety protocols accordingly. It may be many years before people go back but I suspect it will happen eventually and no doubt be very different when it happens.