Fungi:The Web Of Life - review
On a drizzly, crisp London evening, Darren Le Baron and I found ourselves among a sea of 450 fungi fanatics, all gathered in excitement to watch
‘Fungi - The Web Of Life’ narrated by Bjork and presented by Merlin Sheldrake.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the crowd, but it was a beautiful feeling to be in a place where everybody shared my intrigue and enthusiasm for this topic. The sense of community was evident, and it warmed my heart to see individuals, clad in fungi themed attire, who seemed to have ventured to the IMAX alone, finding solace in their shared passion within this safe space.
Additionally, attending with Darren was a pleasure. Witnessing the impact he’s had on attendees of his workshops and festival appearances was inspiring. Strangers approached him with gratitude and respect for the knowledge he shares - as he humbly acknowledged their appreciation.
As we settled into our seats wearing our 3D glasses, we were immediately transported deep into the ancient Tarkine Rainforest of Tasmania. Watching these 3D visuals was like stepping into another dimension (think Avatar meets David Attenborough) - everything bursting to life with a depth and realism that surpasses reality. Though it took a moment to adjust to, the experience was wonderfully mildly trippy.
Seated beside us was a young girl, no older than six, accompanied by two adults. It was equally astonishing and amusing to hear her whispering the names of each mushroom that appeared on screen to her father. Witnessing the younger generation's genuine interest in nature is both heartwarming and hopeful.
As soon as the mesmerising blue mushrooms like Mycena interrupta, also known as Pixie Parasol, appeared on screen, it was evident they had been captured by the talented and spry Australian photographer Stephen Axford. Axford, known for his work showcased on the YouTube channel '@PlanetFungi,' has an unmistakable time lapse style and interest in blue fungi. The production team of the film, Stranger Than Fiction, recognised Axford's expertise and reached out to him and filmmaker Catherine Marciniak, co-founders of Planet Fungi, to contribute to the movie
The main theme throughout revolved around the potential of fungi - particularly most noteably in mycoremediation, with an urgency on protecting the forests.
The presentation was beautifully and artfully crafted with undeniably stunning imagery, however - there was a bit of a disconnect with the script - feeling somewhat unfinished and rushed. I was craving more depth and detail. After reflecting on the movie, Merlin’s whimsical and enchanting energy could’ve been infused into the movie much more. It's important to note that this wasn't his own production, leaving potential for even greater creativity in his future endeavours. Bjork’s narration, though soft, left me wishing for Merlin's eccentric and charming explanations - for he was really the reason I wanted to see this movie. As the credits started to roll, murmurs filled the room, leading to a slow but eventually enthusiastic clap.
What I must say is that this documentary serves as a great introduction to the topic of fungi, piquing interest and intrigue, particularly for mature and curious children. It’s less of a documentary movie like ‘Fantastic Fungi’ for example, and more of a short introductory presentation in my opinion. Regardless, as a fungi enthusiast, it is amazing to see this subject becoming more accessible and popular.
If you’ve read either edition of Merlin's fascinating book, ‘Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds’, you’re already a step ahead of this movie (if you haven’t, I strongly recommend as a 10/10 read). Nevertheless, the 3D aspect literally adds a new dimension to the presentation of fungi, making it an enjoyable watch for the whole family. For me, I was left wanting more. You'll undoubtedly leave with more questions than answers, and perhaps that's the magical essence of it all…
*Fungi production stills by Stephen Axford, Planet Fungi.