A Documentary That Captures Humanity’s Best Instincts

Read Time:4 Minute, 26 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Every Little Thing (DVD)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024, Kino Lorber DVD 2025
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Sally Aitken
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: There’s something magical about how certain documentaries find a heartbeat that echoes beyond the screen. This one carries that kind of pulse, blending nature’s beauty with the determination of those who fight to preserve it. More than just a story about hummingbirds, it’s a testament to resilience—both in the wild and within the human spirit. A wildlife rehabilitator is at the center of it all, offering her time, skill, and boundless empathy to creatures so small they could be almost be overlooked. Yet, so significant, they become symbols of survival.

Hummingbirds have long captivated people with their shimmering feathers and gravity-defying movements, but this documentary looks past their beauty to reveal the harsh reality they face. They’re not just delicate; they battle the world around them constantly. Whether injured by human-made obstacles or struggling with their natural fragility, the film clarifies that their survival is never guaranteed.

The film's heart is its central figure, a woman whose passion for rescuing these birds turns an ordinary home into an unofficial sanctuary. Her expertise is undeniable, but the real power of her story lies in the emotional connection she forms with the creatures in her care. There’s an underlying sense that her work is about more than just the birds—that she is somehow healing herself in healing them. The film doesn’t overstate this idea, but it lingers in quiet moments, in the way she speaks about loss and perseverance, in the subtle parallels between her past and present.

Slow-motion shots capture the hummingbirds in breathtaking detail, transforming their movements into mesmerizing sequences that feel almost otherworldly. The cinematography doesn’t just highlight their beauty—it places viewers directly in their world, making it impossible not to feel a sense of awe. Light, shadow, and color make even the simplest moments remarkable. It’s not just the birds that receive this level of attention, though; the film takes as much care in portraying their environment, from the controlled chaos of rehabilitation spaces to the open skies they long to return to.

While the documentary is rich in emotional and visual depth, it occasionally feels restrained in its storytelling. The rehabilitator’s history is acknowledged but never fully explored, leaving an important layer of the narrative feeling slightly out of reach. The film implies that her past informs her dedication but stops short of explaining how or why. A deeper look at this aspect of her journey could have strengthened the story's core.

That said, the documentary never feels manipulative in its emotion. It doesn’t dwell on loss for the sake of pulling at heartstrings, nor does it shy away from the reality of failure in wildlife rehabilitation. Instead, it finds strength in the small victories. Watching a bird regain the strength to fly again is a triumph, not just for the person who helped it but for the larger idea that kindness, no matter how small, has an impact.

What makes this film resonate is its ability to stretch beyond its immediate subject. Yes, it’s about hummingbirds, but also about patience, persistence, and the quiet acts of care that often go unnoticed. It highlights the connection between humans and nature, asking the audience to consider how even the smallest interactions with the world around us can have lasting effects. The film isn’t interested in lecturing its viewers, but it does leave a question lingering—what role do we play in the survival of the vulnerable?

Few documentaries balance beauty and meaning without tipping too far into sentimentality or detachment. This one finds its place, allowing its subject matter, stunning visuals, and storytelling to carry its weight. The result is an immersive and moving experience, offering a fresh perspective on a world beyond our everyday awareness. It reminds us that the smallest lives can sometimes leave the biggest impact.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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