This Changes Everything

A spoiler light review of This Changes Everything should begin with tone, because Avi Lewis understands exactly how this documentary ought to feel. This Changes Everything gains early credibility from Naomi Klein, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Stacey Arwen Raab. The foundation of This Changes Everything can be stated simply: A look at seven communities around the world with the proposition that we can seize the crisis of climate change to transform our failed economic system into something radically better. Within its 1h 29m running time, This Changes Everything reveals both the benefits and the limits of that disciplined approach.

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The acting in This Changes Everything is anchored by Naomi Klein, who treats even functional scenes as opportunities to reveal character. Stacey Arwen Raab answers that approach with a different energy, giving This Changes Everything welcome friction whenever the pace begins to settle. Around them, the wider ensemble helps This Changes Everything feel like an ensemble piece rather than a vehicle with decorative support. Under Avi Lewis, the performances in This Changes Everything share a tone even when the writing gives them unequal depth.

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The narrative of This Changes Everything works from a simple but productive collision between the central character and an important relationship. Through Naomi Klein, This Changes Everything keeps that premise rooted in a reaction the audience can understand. Naomi Klein introduces a difficult choice at a useful point, giving This Changes Everything a reason to change pace without abandoning its emotional line. The handling of the wider conflict is not equally fresh, yet This Changes Everything usually earns attention through clarity rather than surprise alone.

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The directorial personality of This Changes Everything comes from Avi Lewis remaining engaging in bursts but unable to maintain the same control when the premise invites excess. Within This Changes Everything, Avi Lewis repeatedly favours readable choices over attention seeking flourishes. That discipline explains why worthwhile ideas compete with an uneven structure in This Changes Everything rather than appearing only in isolated scenes. Where This Changes Everything becomes less convincing, the pace alternates between hurry and drift, and the loss of control is noticeable without becoming fatal.

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This Changes Everything uses its documentary framework to consider the tension between public stories and private experience. For the character played by Naomi Klein, that idea gives This Changes Everything stakes beyond the next immediate obstacle. The recurring pressure of an important relationship prevents the theme in This Changes Everything from feeling like decoration added after the story. Avi Lewis makes This Changes Everything more thoughtful whenever the implications remain inside action and reaction.

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This Changes Everything gains much of its identity from clear editorial organisation, a choice that makes the world readable as well as attractive. The contribution of Klein Lewis Productions allows This Changes Everything to combine clear editorial organisation with a consistent visual language. Within its Canada setting, This Changes Everything makes particularly good use of patient observation when the story needs to change scale. Sound and editing preserve the personality of This Changes Everything by supporting detail instead of announcing every intended response.

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The lasting judgement on This Changes Everything is a qualified recommendation for viewers who enjoy thoughtful factual storytelling. This Changes Everything earns that response through the focus of Naomi Klein, the contribution of clear editorial organisation and the direction of Avi Lewis. It remains true that the pace alternates between hurry and drift during This Changes Everything, which keeps enthusiasm measured. Still, This Changes Everything understands the experience it wants to create and communicates that intention with recognisable personality.