I Am Greta gives us all an up close and personal look at the journey of Greta Thunberg. The young activist took the world by storm with her passionate fight for climate action, and this documentary shows every side of that tireless fight.
The Story
Donald Trump, one of the teenager’s most prominent critics, features almost immediately in a powerful voice-over montage of grown men denying the realities of climate change. It is a striking entry to a documentary that primarily focuses on activism and preventing the destruction of the planet for future generations.
The documentary largely focuses on how Greta Thunberg built a movement. This story begins with her implementing the school strike for the climate in front of parliament. It started out as just one young girl sitting by herself making a statement. There is a power and bravery behind that image that serves as an incredible opening for this story.
From there sprung the Fridays for Future school climate strike. It’s a movement that spread throughout the globe and inspired similar movements—like Jane Fonda’s Fire Drill Fridays.
The story of how Thunberg created a movement is incredible. It becomes even more so as we hear her voice throughout the documentary. She did the voiceovers herself, and hearing her voice is a reminder of her youth. She sounds undeniably young which makes all of her accomplishments even more impressive.
The Star
I Am Greta also provides a glimpse into the reality of a young activist on the spectrum. Her admirable hyper-focus on climate activism is connected to her Asperger’s Syndrome, according to the activist herself. Her Asperger’s diagnosis also provides significant fuel to those who oppose her and is often used to discredit her. It is a fact that she faces head-on.
Another fascinating part of Thunberg’s journey, and no small part of her success, is her use of social media. The documentary provides some insight into how Generation Z’s activist can utilize such a powerful tool, something Thunberg has done well. Tweeting, sharing videos, and spreading her message through social media platforms has allowed her school strike movement to gain significant momentum.
I Am Greta highlights what is truly amazing about Greta Thunberg—her ability, as a teenager, to speak eloquently, intelligently, and with confidence in a room of grown adults. Adults who are often in positions of power. It is truly awe-inspiring to watch.
The documentary also considers her significant personal sacrifice. Thunberg has endured open mockery and overcoming her fear of speaking in social settings. She gave up meat, dairy, flying, and buying new things. She laughs at mean tweets about her while her father looks on stony-faced. World leaders and prominent pundits publically tear her apart on a semi-regular basis. She responds by dancing in the library.
Greta Thunberg is inspiring a generation, but she is still human. This documentary shows not only her incredible side but also her relatable and totally human side. Thunberg shows her tired and frustrated side. Sometimes she even cries. She is sometimes uncomfortable with her surroundings. She is not a superhero, at least not all of the time.
