Nerds That Geek Documentary Review: ‘Blink’

12/19/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

The Pelletier family watches the sunrise over a mountain in Nepal. (Photo Courtesy MRC/Jean-Sébastien Francoeur)

There comes a point in our lives, where quite the epiphany washes over us. In that, we only have so many years in this life, and because of that… we should do everything we can to make great memories before we can no longer do so. For old age does indeed rob us of mobility and sometimes, our memories and that’s why we act quickly after that lesson. To get those memories and enjoy life before our bodies no longer allow us to, and what’s fascinating about this epiphany, is that it tends to arrive later in life rather than sooner. Usually after a health scare, brush with the end or through the power of loss and grief. Because then our morality is right in front of us.

However, for some, this epiphany comes forth at a far younger age, and for vastly different reasons. Because the universe is a strange and sometimes unjust place that puts people in situations, they aren’t ready to face, even when their whole lives are ahead of them. Which begs a big question, how does one respond to such matters, at a young age? For that is so much to process, and young minds aren’t always ready to think about death, or loss, or the possibility of having their lives change in a drastic manner through means that aren’t easy to digest. If anything, this scenario and that question are top of mind today, because they are what one family faces in the new National Geographic documentary, Blink.

For this particular feature introduces us to the Pelletier family, who seem like an everyday family that is not facing strife when we first meet them. But there is a hidden surprise that has put this family at a crossroads. In that, three of the four children of this family have a disease that will rob them of their sight as they grow older. Which leaves their parents shocked and unsure of what to do at first. That is until they settle upon a unique course of action. In that, they choose to pull the kids out of regular school and sink every dollar they have, into traveling around the world and completing a bucket list, so that these children can experience life and store memories of its beauty before they can no longer enjoy it with their eyes, and that makes… for a unique and moving story.

Mia, Leo, Colin, and Laurent Pelletier pose on top of their camper van in front of a double rainbow while in Mongolia. (Photo Courtesy Edith Lemay)

One that first and foremost, addresses those questions and that concern immediately. Because we’re talking about grade school children here who in a short time, won’t be able to see the faces of their loved ones or ponder upon the majesty of a sunrise or sunset, and that’s a lot for a parent to process. Heck, it’s a lot for the viewer to process. Because we can barely ponder or perceive the possibility of losing our senses at any age, so for a kid to face that… is daunting and devastating and well, much like the epiphany we reach later in life, there’s strength to be found in what this family decides. Because it’s a big deal that they choose to give these kids a chance at making memories quickly, to cherish them always, and the journey offers up some real inspiration for the audience.

Because we of course, follow them on their global journey, and while we are privy to beautiful locations and moments that are special and unique… we do gather some powerful lessons from this family’s incredible adventure. In that, their journey reminds us that life really is too short, and anything can happen to us at any time. So, we should not wait to live life to the fullest and soak up incredible experiences every chance we get. Granted, yes, that is always easier said and done, but it is a lesson to take to heart and apply in other ways on a smaller scale. But if the means are there, and the window is available, we should take it… because what harm can come from living life to the fullest and being part of the world that we dream of exploring?

All of which makes for a powerful and dynamic documentary. One that is also supremely moving in nature since we are indeed privy to so many emotional moments with this family. For we are there as they experience joy, sorrow, and just the emotional difficulties that accompany traveling the globe, and this documentary deserves a round of applause for presenting that in an honest manner and for giving us a story… that is brave and bold. Because it takes guts from parents to openly admit the struggles their children are facing, much less let an audience/camera crew document a push to give them a lasting gift before a disease robs them of so much. But we get that honesty here, and we are indeed left transformed when this story is over, since we are reminded, that the moment is all that matters, and we should grab hold of it tightly.

Watch ‘Blink’

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