Matthew Briody takes the temperature for his review of Climate in Therapy.
Seven climate scientists walk into a hotel.
This isn't the beginning of a joke. It's the unique concept at the core of this documentary. Filmed over the course of a group counselling session, Climate in Therapy provides a fascinating look at the psychological effects of climate change on the experts who study it.
The session is moderated by therapist Richard Beck, whose experience includes working with survivors of Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks. Few people could be better qualified to help those wrestling with trauma and anxiety. In this case, however, his patients are not disaster survivors but seven highly accomplished scientists.
Their expertise spans an impressive range of disciplines. Justin Mankin specialises in Earth system science, while Deanna Hence's field is atmospheric science. Sonali McDermid and Jonathan Hickman are Earth scientists, Esther Ngumbi is an entomologist, Mizuki Takahashi's field is ecology, and Nicole K. Davi is a paleoclimatologist. Scientific training is not confined to those on the therapist's couch, either. No stranger to the field, Beck studied biology and chemistry as an undergraduate. He had planned to study medicine before discovering he was decidedly unsuited to the sight of blood.
Indeed, the presentation of these experts outside of their academic fields is key to the success of the film. The opening sequence is a street view where busy traffic speeds along the road, followed by a number of establishing shots of the hotel's exterior before the camera moves inside. Brilliant minds gathered, Beck begins the session with an exercise to loosen everyone up, with participants instructed to throw an imaginary ball while making a unique sound after mimicking the last sound that they heard. As these scenes play out, Justin is heard talking to his mother on the phone. He shares his concerns about taking part in the programme while the camera focuses on the chairs being set up in a circle. This candid moment presents him first and foremost as a person.
Director Nathan Grossman, along with co-directors Olof Berglind and Malin Olofsson, takes a particular interest in the human side of this exercise. At times, the documentary broadens the discussion even further. Esther discusses how, as a woman of colour, she is sometimes mistaken for a student by some of her fellow scientists. Finding themselves in the same situation, Deanna and Sonali weigh in. Patriarchy, racism, colonialism; these are all facets of the same structure that has led to the world's present point of devastation.
The unease within the group is palpable. When asked to draw their greatest fear for the future, these experts produce a range of images expressing their concern about the loss of nature and wildlife. The environmental issues they highlight have been well documented. Here, however, they are presented with an emotional immediacy that resonates in ways data-driven reporting and academic writing cannot.
The absurdity of the setting is not lost on Grossman and his co-directors. Between shots of the group circle, we see cleaners working in the venue and landscapers cutting down trees outside, which adds to the urgency of the conversations. Candid recordings of the scientists using the hotel gym and relaxing in their rooms allow brief moments of calm between these weighty topics.
In the face of a global catastrophe, these scientists face an internal crisis of their own. If you’re looking for both an important film and an emotionally healing experience, Climate in Therapy is essential viewing - a film that can weather any storm.
Climate in Therapy screened in Ireland as part of the Cork International Film Festival, with multiple showings in November including at Triskel Cinema and the Arc Cinema, accompanied by discussions and Q&As.
