Discover a connection 40 million years in the making.|Jun. 25, 2021|United States|86 Min.|TV-PG
Genre: Documentary;Mystery
Description: “Fathom” is more than just a film about whales. Unlike traditional nature documentaries that showcase stunning visuals of wildlife, it focuses on two scientists dedicated to studying whales, following them on their distinct yet interconnected research projects. Similar to other recent science documentaries like “The Edge of All We Know” and “Particle Fever,” it delves into the essence of the scientific method, emphasizing the importance of empiricism and the pursuit of knowledge.
The film addresses timeless questions that feel especially relevant today, in an era dominated by debates over “fake news,” “alternative facts,” and the rapid spread of unverified information. American acoustic ecologist Michelle Fournet is on a unique mission in Hobart Bay, Alaska: she aims to “fool a whale” by playing recorded whale songs underwater to see if the creatures respond. Her research centers on a sound she affectionately calls a “whup,” which she believes serves as a whale’s way of saying “Hello.” She hopes to confirm this by observing how specific whales react and alter their “whups” after hearing her recordings.
A previous attempt faced setbacks due to technical issues, resulting in distorted audio. However, Fournet and her team remain hopeful. They acknowledge the high likelihood of failure but are determined to try again. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pacific in French Polynesia, bioacoustics specialist Ellen Garland from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland studies the cultural transmission and vocal learning of humpback whale songs. She examines how these intricate “rhythms, timed breathing, rhyming, repetition, and patterns within patterns” spread across regions, moving consistently from west to east.
“Fathom” offers a thought-provoking exploration of scientific inquiry and the fascinating world of whale communication.
Cast director: Drew Xanthopoulos
Cast actor: Ellen Garland, Michelle Fournet
Original name: Fathom