Blink Movie review: A Family’s Journey of Love, Loss, and Seizing the Moment

Imagine discovering that your child will one day lose their vision. It’s a heart-wrenching reality for Édith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier, a Canadian couple whose three of four children are diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition. Their world is about to change forever. But instead of succumbing to despair, they embark on a remarkable journey across the globe, determined to fill their children’s remaining sight with memories of the world’s most beautiful places. This journey, chronicled in the National Geographic documentary Blink, reveals not only breath taking landscapes but also profound lessons about love, growth, and making the most of every moment.

Retinitis Pigmentosa: Understanding the Condition

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a rare genetic disorder that gradually deteriorates the cells in the retina, leading to a slow and inevitable loss of vision. The condition progresses over time, often starting with a loss of peripheral vision and night blindness before leading to total blindness. For Mia, Colin, and Laurent, the three Pelletier children affected, it’s only a matter of time before their world becomes darker. However, instead of focusing solely on the medical facts of the condition, the film invites us to explore the emotional and familial journey it sparks.

A Family’s Decision: From Diagnosis to Adventure

After the devastating diagnosis, Édith and Sébastien were faced with a choice. How do you prepare your children for a future they cannot see? How do you fill their lives with colour and beauty before their vision fades? Their answer was clear: take the kids on an extraordinary trip around the world, from the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the vast deserts of Africa.

This wasn’t just about sightseeing. It was about creating a shared experience that the family could hold onto long after the children’s vision was gone. Instead of focusing on what they were losing, they chose to embrace what they still had each other and the opportunity to see the world together.

An Emotional Journey: The Power of Presence

Throughout the film, we’re reminded that this journey was not only physical but emotional. One of the most poignant moments occurs when young Laurent admits that he doesn’t fully grasp what it means to go blind. At just four years old, the concept of losing his sight is abstract, but the looming reality is ever-present for his parents. For viewers, this moment underscores the heartache and resilience of both the children and their parents.

The film gently explores the emotional toll of knowing that time is running out, but it also highlights the resilience of the human spirit. Through laughter, tears, and moments of quiet reflection, we witness the family come to terms with their reality while cherishing the time they have left to see the world through open eyes.

The Beauty of the World Through a Child’s Eyes

In a world filled with the natural wonders that National Geographic is known for showcasing, Blink doesn’t just offer majestic landscapes but also frames them through the eyes of the children. Every sight, from the great African savanna to the snowy peaks of Nepal, takes on new meaning when you know it’s part of a fleeting experience.

But more than the sights themselves, it’s the simple, everyday moments that stand out. Watching the children run, play, and imagine worlds of their own creation reminds us that beauty isn’t limited to the grandeur of nature. Sometimes, it’s found in the unremarkable siblings laughing together, a shared meal, or the warmth of a sunny day.

Life Beyond Sight: A New Beginning

The film doesn’t shy away from the harsh reality of blindness, but it also reveals that life is more than just what we see. A powerful scene early in the film features a black screen while the voices of the family fill the silence. It’s a striking reminder that vision, while important, is just one way to connect with the world. We are reminded that love, connection, and the bonds we form with others are what truly sustain us.

Throughout their journey, the Pelletiers discover that while they cannot stop the darkness from coming, they can still fill their lives with light. This realization is beautifully illustrated when the children, who are destined to lose their sight, are seen playing with three puppies who will one day become their guide dogs. In this simple, touching moment, the film captures the essence of the family’s journey: it’s not about what they are losing but what they are gaining an unbreakable bond and the strength to face the future together.

Blink’s Core Message: Seize the Day

One of the central messages of Blink is that life is about seizing the moment. The Pelletier family’s story is a call to action for all of us to step out of our routines, embrace adventure, and make the most of the time we have. Whether it’s a trip around the world or simply a weekend with family, the film reminds us that meaningful experiences can be found anywhere if we take the time to look for them.

The film encourages viewers to focus on the present, on the connections we make, and the memories we create. It’s a message that resonates beyond the specific circumstances of the Pelletiers’ journey. Blink urges us to live fully, embracing both the joys and challenges that life brings, and to remember that the most important moments are often the simplest.

A Journey of Growth, Not Loss

While Blink could have been a story of loss and tragedy, it instead chooses to focus on growth and love. The Pelletiers’ journey is not just about what they are losing but about what they are gaining stronger relationships, unforgettable memories, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. By embracing the unknown and facing their fears head-on, the family shows that even in the face of adversity, there is still beauty, hope, and love to be found.

Their journey may have started with a desire to fill the children’s visual memories, but it became so much more. It became a journey of connection, of seeing the world not just with their eyes but with their hearts. The children’s diagnosis didn’t disappear, but instead of a bleak, hopeless darkness, their story feels like a beginning a new chapter of love, resilience, and family.

Conclusion: Blink and You’ll Miss It

In the end, Blink is a reminder to all of us that life is fleeting, and if we don’t take the time to savor the moments, they’ll pass us by. Édith, Sébastien, and their children teach us that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, there is still beauty to be found in the world. Their story is one of love, courage, and the enduring power of family.

As we watch the Pelletier family’s journey unfold, we are reminded of our own. Life is precious, and it’s up to us to make the most of it before it’s too late.

Blink is now playing in theaters, offering viewers an 84-minute glimpse into a family’s extraordinary journey. Rated PG for thematic elements, some language, and brief smoking, it’s a documentary that not only inspires but also encourages us to live life to the fullest.