In a world where documentaries often focus on overcoming adversity, Blink stands out as a poignant exploration of a family's race to experience the beauty of life before it fades away. This film tells the story of Édith Lemay and Sébastien Pelletier, parents who discovered that three of their four children suffer from a progressive, incurable form of blindness. Rather than succumb to despair, they embarked on an extraordinary year-long journey around the globe, determined to create lasting memories for their children. Through breathtaking landscapes and heart-wrenching moments, Blink captures both the triumphs and tragedies of this unique adventure, offering a powerful testament to parental love and resilience.
The documentary begins with the devastating news that three of the Lemay-Pelletier children—Mia, Colin, and Laurent—are diagnosed with genetic retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that gradually erodes vision. Initially overwhelmed by shock and sadness, Édith and Sébastien soon channel their emotions into action. Advised by experts to help their children build a visual vocabulary through books, the couple decides to go further. They put their lives on hold, gather all available resources, and embark on a year-long global expedition. Their goal is simple yet profound: to expose their children to as many visual wonders as possible before their sight diminishes.
The film follows the family’s travels across diverse terrains, from the African savannah to the towering peaks of the Himalayas. Each destination is chosen not only for its beauty but also for its ability to imprint vivid memories. Some experiences are lighthearted, like hot air ballooning over Egypt’s White Desert, while others are more challenging, such as a grueling nine-day trek through the Himalayas. These adventures reveal the family’s resourcefulness and determination, as well as the growing awareness of the children about their condition. One particularly moving scene occurs during the Himalayan hike when young Laurent asks his mother what blindness means. Her honest response—that it’s like closing your eyes and never opening them again—strikes a deep emotional chord.
Throughout the journey, the film delves into the individual personalities of each child. Mia, approaching adolescence, grapples with the looming reality of her condition, while her brothers exhibit distinct traits—one studious, another unpredictable, and the youngest, wild and spirited. The cinematography captures these moments with sensitivity, especially in scenes like Mia dancing atop a Sahara dune, lost in music only she can hear. Such moments highlight the film’s refusal to indulge in sentimentality, instead focusing on the raw, bittersweet nature of the family’s adventure.
Ultimately, Blink is more than just a travelogue. It is a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of sight and the enduring power of familial love. The film’s directors, Daniel Roher and Edmund Stenson, craft a narrative that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. By staying true to the family’s experiences without sugarcoating the difficulties, Blink emerges as a rare and remarkable achievement—a celebration of bravery in the face of inevitable loss.