I Am Greta

I Am Greta is a compelling 2020 documentary film that offers a personal and intimate journey into the life of Greta Thunberg, one of the most influential and inspiring young climate activists of our time. Swedish director Nathan Grossman contributes an insightful, affectionate portrayal of Greta that brings her powerful message to life, reminding us about the urgent necessity for action on climate change.

The documentary delves into Greta's world, a 15-year-old Swedish schoolgirl who captured the world's attention through her temerity, passion, and relentless determination to bring the perils of climate change to the forefront of global attention. The film chronicles her journey from a solitary, unknown school strike for climate change outside the Swedish Parliament to becoming a global icon leading masses of young individuals against political inertia on climate change.

I Am Greta takes us step-by-step on this journey through an array of evocative moments, showcasing how this determined teenager, diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, transcends her challenges to fearlessly and articulately question world leaders on their inaction. Her scientific intelligence and unwavering pragmatism drive her persistent question – why should younger generations study for a future that may well not have a viable planet to sustain them?

Noteworthy is her unfettered conviction and the determined steeliness within her measured calm. Her relentlessness in adversity, continuing her school strike through rain or snow, is subtly stirring. The film also captures Greta’s spirit through her witty, humorous comments and her deeply affectionate relationship with her father, Svante Thunberg, who accompanies her on her climate crusade.

I Am Greta introduces viewers to Greta's close family life, allowing an intimate view of her connection with her father, Svante Thunberg. Their bond, humor, and shared commitment to the cause serve as a backbone throughout her evolving climate activism. The father-daughter moments portrayed in this heartfelt film allow viewers to appreciate not just the activist, but also the teenager behind the headlines.

Wordless sequences throughout the film expertly capture the immense pressure on this exceptional young woman. As viewers, we are given a stark reminder of Greta's youth – amidst galvanizing global masses, addressing the world's political elite at the United Nations, and braving a transatlantic journey on a sailing boat; she is, after all, a teenager grappling with something far more significant than herself.

The documentary culminates in her harrowing yet valiant voyage across the North Atlantic on a zero-emissions sailboat - a journey compelled by her commitment to reduce her carbon footprint. This grueling undertaking symbolizes the fearless lengths she is prepared to go to draw attention to the pressing environmental crisis.

Furthermore, her interactions with U.N. official Niclas Svenningsen reveal her earnest commitment to provoke a response from those in power. This intimate documentary also considers the detractors and critics faced by Greta — brushing them aside, she remains steadfast in her convictions, undeterred by the hostile and dismissive responses of climate skeptics.

Grossman’s camera often observes her quietly - doing her homework on trains, connecting with nature, and trying to cope with the overwhelming fame that catapults her life into a constant whirlwind of media attention and public scrutiny. Through this serene observation, the film manages to bring out the soft-spoken yet steely determination of Greta, who grows from a quiet girl to an influential figure, unwilling to take a back seat while her future is in jeopardy.

In the end, though the gravitas of Greta’s climate message weighs heavily on the viewers, the film manages to leave us with a sense of hope and determination, much like Greta herself. I Am Greta goes far beyond portraying Greta's fight for climate justice – it paints a portrait of a young girl driven by a global concern that articulates herself into a force that cannot be silenced.

Engaging, earnest, and at times genuinely moving, I Am Greta offers an intimate, well-articulated account of one girl's profound impact on the world around her. It conveys the urgency of action against climate change while shedding light on the compelling persona of Greta Thunberg. In the process, it transforms her from a quoted figurehead into a wholly empathetic young woman whose concerns share a resonance with millions.