Fire of Love (2022) Movie Review
Fire of Love is a documentary that features the most amazing footage of volcanoes we’ve ever seen. Katia and Maurice Krafft were volcanologists (scientists who study volcanoes). The two cross paths and become inseparable, both obsessed with studying volcanoes and trying to understand how they work and how to predict when one will erupt. Katia was a chemist while Maurice was a geologist, so even their career paths complimented each other. They became famous for their daring voyages to the summits of volcanoes and their photo and video footage of volcanic explosions.
The footage is truly extraordinary showing the Krafft’s mere feet from molten lava flows and explosions. They often look like little aliens in metallic space suits to protect themselves from the extreme heat. At times their shoes catch on fire and you can practically feel the heat coming through the screen. There is an eerie beauty in the footage as we see lava flowing like a river down the side of a volcano. But what is perhaps more beautiful is the relationship between Katia and Maurice. They understand each other in a way that few people are ever able to find and share a unique passion that keeps them occupied for the entirety of their lives.
Narrated by Miranda July, the documentary explains volcanoes to those who might not be familiar with the intricacies of the sleeping giants. It’s hard to imagine anything being more interesting or phenomenal than an exploding volcano, but the Krafft’s are. Footage of them in their minimally furnished home and doing interviews about volcanoes show how they navigate the more mundane aspects of life. But we see them truly come alive when they’re interacting with volcanoes. Their smiles are never so big as when they see lava bubbling up to the surface.
Both take risks that most people would never even consider. Maurice is the true daredevil, even taking a rubber boat out into an acidic lake (something Katia, the chemist, condemns). It’s fun to see their adventures together and heartwarming to see how they look at each other. You get the sense from the footage that they were truly soulmates and you begin to dread their inevitable demise.
The archival footage is what makes Fire of Love truly exceptional. It’s some of the best footage of volcanoes ever captured and proves that the Krafft’s had a flair for cinematography. Their love of the thing they’re shooting oozes through every frame. That’s what director Sara Dosa does best. She lets the Krafft’s speak for themselves, only inserting July’s narration where it’s absolutely necessary. The imagery allows for an immersive experience wherein the audience can assign meaning to it themselves. It’s one of the most interesting and well crafted documentaries this year and not only tells a compelling love story but takes you on a magical ride through the world of volcanoes.
You’ll like this movie if:
1. You are interested in volcanoes
2. You want to witness an unconventional love story
3. You thrive off of stories of passionate people
