FATHOM – Review

Fathom is a word that can mean a measurement of sea depth or a struggle to understand a difficult or enigmatic subject. Both meanings apply in FATHOM, visually beautiful documentary about scientists trying to understand whales’ songs, filled with stunning images of rolling seas, rocky shores, and solitary scientists lit by the glow of a screen as they pour over their data.

There is a sense of being immersed in the scientists’ world of whale research, more like in a mystery film than a documentary. Director/cinematographer Drew Xanthopoulos’ FATHOM is shot in a style more typical of a narrative film, perhaps even mystery, with partially-shaded lighting, artistic framing and warm tones. This visual style gives the documentary a uniqueness, as well as immediately drawing us into the and work of the two women scientists, Dr. Ellen Garland and Dr. Michelle Fournet, who are the focus of the film. They are separately researching humpback whale sounds, but different aspects of them, and the film follows them out into the ocean where they are doing field research projects. Appropriately, haunting whale songs provide much of the soundtrack.

Fournet is researching humpback whale communication in Alaska while Garland is based in Scotland. These scenic locations are put to good use as we follow the two scientists, who are preparing for field research to test their hypotheses. Besides humpback whale songs, which carry over long distances, these behemoths make other sounds which seem to be for communication, although their meaning, like the purpose of their songs, are still unknown. Fournet is researching those other sounds, trying to “start a conversation” with a humpback whale as a way to tease out their meaning. Garland studies whale songs and is tracking the progress of one song as it is passed along through humpback whale groups across the Pacific.

Fournet is planning to do her field research off the Alaskan shore, using a sound called a “whup,” which may be a kind of whale “hello, my name is/” Garland is traveling from Scotland to the south Pacific, to French Polynesia, for her field research, to determine if the same song that started near Australia is turning up at this location further east.

The open ocean around French Polynesia provides director/cinematographer Drew Xanthopoulos with another very scenic location for the documentary’s lovely photography. The documentary alternates between the two scientists as they prepare for and then embark on their field research. One of the great strengths of this film, besides its gorgeous cinematography, is its thoughtful, accurate presentation of the scientists’ work, in a fashion that is clear and involving without dumbing it down.

Fournet and Garland narrate parts of the documentary, explaining their work and giving fascinating background on whales. At other times, we seems to tag along, following them as they prepare for their field work, interact with others assisting them, until we then go out into the field with them, the most bracing and thrilling part of the film, as well as its largest section. We also get glimpses into their personal lives and gain insights on the particular challenges faced by women scientists.

The documentary also gives just enough intriguing background on whales, delving into their evolution, big brains and social nature. It notes they evolved social brains and social culture before humans even walked upright, and have brains even more advanced for social life than our own. Among the intriguing facts noted is the merging of the senses of sight and sound in whales, adapting to communicate in their dim environment.

Part of the brilliance of this film is its choice of the two scientists. It was pure inspiration to choose two women scientists but Fournet and Garland are particularly good choices. Both are excellent at explaining their work clearly to a lay audience, as well as being charismatic and photogenic. That latter factor might sound odd, but film is a visual medium, and this is not the first time scientific nature documentaries have used that to hold audiences’ attention – think of the young Jane Goodall in early National Geographic documentaries.

Curiosity is an basic trait of all scientists, and this film gives us a sense of that, capturing the drive to uncover facts like solving a mystery. We also get a look at the difficulties of life in the field work, but also a taste of the kind of fun researchers might have in off-task time, blowing off steam.

The unexpected awaits in any field expedition, and Garland and Fournet encounter both dangers and research challenges once out on the sea with the whales. Fournet notes that she has had years when she sighted no whales but has the opposite condition this time, while Garland, accustomed to plentiful whales this time of year, finds herself searching for them. Both surprise conditions force them to adapt their research protocol and offer unforeseen new knowledge. There are moments of drama, tensions and hints of danger, framed by rolling seas, breaching whales, and misty shores.

FATHOM is an excellent documentary on humpback whales, a stand-out mix of science and nature documentary with the extra bonus of a showcase for women scientists. Featuring marvelous photography and a style that gives it the feel of a narrative adventure, this documentary works all levels. Although fellow scientists and science buffs might wish for a little more detail on the science and nature film buffs might want a little more whale footage, it gives enough of both to satisfy, while opening the door for the curious to learn more.

FATHOM opens Friday, June 25, streaming on Apple TV+.

RATING: 3 1/2 out of 4 stars