It seems only fair that I lay my cards down on the table at the beginning of this review regarding my thoughts on Greta Thunberg, as it will undoubtedly have shaped my opinions on the documentary. Personally, I think she’s great. I really do. I understand why many people don’t like her, but I’m not in that camp. I don’t think she’s the answer to all of our problems, however what she has done is to inspire a very important movement which is critical for our future.

A movie where a 15 year old girl with Asperger’s starts protesting on her own outside of a building, slowly builds up a revolution in her awkward, quiet way, has to come against some evil world leaders to fight for the future of her planet and to stand on the biggest stage almost sounds like the most ridiculous film I could watch. So what a messed up world when this is true.

The movie starts right at the beginning where a Swansea based film maker records Greta protesting alone in Stockholm after a tip-off on a whim. What a lucky decision. Soon her movement grows and we see her journey including the sailing from Plymouth to New York and the film ends with the famous “How Dare You” speech.

It’s well made. We see more of the story than the characters. There are some moments where Greta struggles, placed in between the speeches making you realise that she doesn’t want to be there too much as opposed to feeling the need to be there and also, that she is a 15 year old girl. Yeah, remember when Trump mocked a 15 year old Swedish girl with Asperger’s? It wasn’t great.

I was intrigued by the whole story. I’d heard of Greta early on, but didn’t bat too much of an eyelid, so seeing the earlier parts of her campaign was interesting. I cared about the character and really had a chance to reflect on the failures and ridiculousness of the world.

It would’ve been engaging to see the effects of this huge sacrifice on herself and her family with more clarity. Maybe then we would’ve seen a fuller picture.

I don’t think that this film will change your opinion on Greta. If you liked her before, there isn’t much reason to dislike her. If you disliked her before, then I doubt your view will change after seeing this.

Summary

An interesting watch which showed Greta’s story and some of her struggles throughout in quite an intimate way. It won’t change many opinions as most already know the story, but it’s still well put together and worth a watch if you’re interested in her activism. [Grade: B]