2040 – Review

Directed by: Damon Gameau

Runtime: 92 minutes

It’s easy to let the doom and gloom of the current state of world affairs get you down, so it was quite refreshing to watch Damon Gameau’s 2040— a light-hearted and creative take on the climate documentary.

Gameau’s premise is simple. In the form of a letter to his young daughter he asks the simple question: “What would the world be like in twenty years if we did all the right things?” and with that he takes us on a journey across the world to explore the technology right at our fingertips with the potential to change the world for the better.

Gameau’s approach to the film is incredibly creative. Utilising extensive CGI, he conducts his interviews on wind turbines, on the tops of rainforests or in electrical grids themselves. While sometimes distracting, if one keeps in mind the film’s young target audience, it’s a great way to make complicated topics easily understood.

Gameau’s charisma shines through in this film. If you’re familiar with his other documentary, That Sugar Film, this is hardly a surprise. But with 2040, he gives us a subject to root for. This film is as much about his growth as a father as it is about the environment and as such; he carefully displays just how personal these issues really can be. Sure, he has a clear agenda in the film but really, what documentary doesn’t? I could appreciate Gameau’s far-reaching search for truth and detailed participatory interview style.

What is even more refreshing are the actor’s performances throughout. Eva Lazzaro as an imagined older version of Gameau’s daughter, Velvet, gave an incredibly watchable performance; I wish she had more screen time. Gameau and his wife Zoe also performed quite admirably. Some context: I’m a shut up or get out kind of girl when I watch films and I happened to sit next to a very rambunctious group of movie-goers. While at first, their volume irked me, I found that by the end of the film I was laughing along with them, which is a testament to the film itself and its handling of the topic.

My only real criticism is that I felt that there was simply not enough detail. Climate change is a massive topic so I really cannot fault the production for that, but I do believe that 2040 could really do well by being expanded. Fingers crossed for a series or sequel.

At a time where many of our most vocal leaders in the fight against climate change are indeed young people, Gameau makes a noble and successful attempt at continuing that empowerment. He never condescends, maintains a playful curiosity and, by placing himself in the midst of the action, brings a real human approach to what he is sharing. Sure, the world he paints is idealistic, but he shows that what’s possible, and what we can do to get there.