Critic Reviews

A Life Illuminated is an incredible film. It takes us to one of the most extreme places on Earth, it reveals previously unseen phenomena, it takes us on the journey of scientific discovery, and it is an inspiration.

Dazzled by the stars of the deep sea, the film leaves us curious to know more about these light-dependent beings but also fulfilled in knowing that Dr. Widder’s work continues as she nourishes the next generation of marine biologists.

What Van Zandt and cinematographer Sebastian Zeck show is, much like Dr. Widder herself, extremely impressive and not at all showy. In following Dr. Widder’s journey, we learn how much even a single good shot of bioluminescent activity is valued. By the time the film ends, we are treated to the whole fireworks display. Illuminating, absolutely.