How to Blow Up a Pipeline Review
Based on the nonfiction novel of the same name by Andreas Malm. Malm‘s novel is not a how-to guide but rather a non-narrative structured musing about how pacifist activism will not work for climate change.
It is daring in 2023 to make a film as politically charged, not only charged but firmly planted in one camp as this film is. The film industry, much like everything else, is looking to be as inclusive as possible to make as much money as possible.
Here, filmmakers Daniel Goldhaber and Ariela Barer, who also stars in the film. Daniel and Ariela have decided to take a political stance, it helps when it’s not a massive studio film but rather a smaller independent venture.
The film plays in the current execution of this group’s plan to blow a pipeline, as well as showing flashbacks to help fill in the pieces so we get to understand how this group came about and give backstory to each character.
This structure works best because these flashbacks serve as small valve releases from the tension that mounts as this group inches closer to fulfilling their goal. Watching this film reminded me of two films that could’ve been inspirations.
It’s like William Friedkin and Kathryn Bigelow came together to make a climate activism film. Friedkin’s Sorcerer and Bogelow’s The Hurt Locker are two edge-of-your-seat white knuckle thrillers and this film made me feel the same way as these two.
Its pulsing synth score and gritty style give 70’s thriller vibes like Sorcerer. This film’s scenes of tension are not as long and drawn out as in The Hurt Locker, but they’re no less tension-filled. At times provoking jump scares when something happens.
Cutting to the flashbacks allow some reprieve from this tension, had it not had this structure this film could’ve almost been unbearable. But if the first hour of this film would’ve been the team meeting this film would not have had the same impact. It’s a smartly crafted script in that manner, understanding the best way to let your story unfold to have maxim effect.
The performances are great. No one going to large keeping everything in a reality. Forest Goodluck and Ariela Barer are the standouts in the film. These two characters bring the most pain to the group and are portrayed complexly.
The issue with the film is in the film’s final act. Not from any kind of political aspect, but with a film so grounded in reality the ending feels like a Hollywood ending. It seems too good to be true and it’s the only part of the film that I wrestle with.
Currently, this is the best film I have seen this year, and I would say disregard any political leaning you have and give this film a chance because it is a tense, smart thriller.
4/5 Stars
