“Heart of an Oak” Technologically Wows

Heart of an Oak (Laurent Charbonnier/Michel Seydoux, 2022) 4 out of 5 stars

Most people today need to heed the concept of a world within a world. While we march, sidestep, and weave through the simultaneous minutiae and complexities of our universe, we can forget that there is another world dimension of complexity, dangers, and sacrifices right under our noses.

In Heart of an Oak, we follow a year in the life of a majestic oak tree and all of the inhabitants that live in, around, and under its established roots. French filmmakers Laurent Charbonnier (Chambord) and Michel Seydoux (a longtime producer making his directorial debut) have used the latest audio and visual technologies to give audiences an even closer look into a world that would seem alien to most who have not opened their eyes and ears to the ecosystem that is more than likely in their backyard.

It is safe to say that the footage captured of the titular oak tree’s ecosystem is nothing short of astonishing. At the beginning of the film, we are put into the perspective of a forest mouse tunneling through the ground beneath the oak. The tension is cranked to 11 when a rainstorm floods the underground home of these mice. On one hand, I was biting my nails in fear for the safety of these animals, but on the other hand, my brain was trying to comprehend how the filmmakers put a camera in a subterranean home like this one.

Film fanatics are always on the lookout for the film that makes them turn to their buddy in the theater and say, “I’ve never seen that before.” Recognizing true innovation without hesitation is an invigorating feeling. The craft of Heart of an Oak is so impressive that it can sometimes distract from the emotional intent of the story, but it’s better to amaze and risk distraction than to bore and ensure vagueness.

Patrick Howard

Patrick Howard has been a cinephile since age seven. Alongside 10 years of experience in film analysis and criticism, he is a staunch supporter of all art forms and believes their influence and legacy over human culture is vital. Mr. Howard takes the time to write his own narrative stories when he can.