MOVIE REVIEW
Never Look Away (DVD)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024 Kino Lorber DVD
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Lucy Lawless
Where To Watch: available now, order here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Lucy Lawless’ directorial vision, NEVER LOOK AWAY, dives into the gritty reality of Margaret Moth, capturing her relentless spirit and undying courage. Moth, a New Zealand-born CNN cameraperson, navigated the battlefields of the 1990s, starting with the Desert Storm conflict. Lawless’ directorial eye moves beyond simple storytelling, immersing the audience in the complex depth of a woman whose life story is as intricate as the wars she documented.

NEVER LOOK AWAY presents a stirring narrative about personal reinvention amid chaos. Moth's tale is one of raw determination, shaped by her choice to discard part of her name in favor of one that marks a new beginning away from a troubled past. Her decision to remain childless—a deliberate defiance of expected roles—highlights her commitment to her career, documenting the stark realities of global conflict.

The documentary alternates between adrenaline-pumping action and intimate reflections, and it showcases Moth's remarkable resilience, particularly during a sniper attack that nearly ended her life but instead reinforced her resolve. These moments are contrasted with quieter insights into her internal struggles, painting a portrait of a woman defined by her vulnerabilities and strengths.

While I don’t usually look at others' reviews, I took a deep dive into this film and read various pieces. The reception of NEVER LOOK AWAY among critics underscores its significance as a powerful narrative that blends the personal with the documentary style. Lauded for its direction and meticulous research, the film has garnered accolades for bringing Moth's story to a broader audience. Critics praise Lawless for her ability to navigate the complex emotions of her subjects without sacrificing the intensity of their professional environments. The documentary's impact extends beyond cinema, inspiring discussions on gender roles in conflict journalism and the ethics of documentary filmmaking. As a result, NEVER LOOK AWAY illuminates a remarkable individual's life and sparks crucial conversations about the stories we choose to tell and how they are presented.

Never Look Away captures Moth’s adventures and misadventures—from high-altitude skydiving to underground punk scenes with characters like Jeff Russi—and peels back the expectations of her persona, revealing a multifaceted individual. The film navigates through her darker moments, suggesting her motivations may be rooted in a deep-seated outrage against global injustices. Watching this film, you can’t help but parallel Moth’s career to that of the iconic Lee Miller, who walked so that women like Moth could run.

Through a seamless montage of interviews and archival footage, the film establishes a rhythm that speaks to seasoned documentary enthusiasts and those new to the genre. While the narrative delves deep into the essence of Moth’s character, it balances scenes of her strength with glimpses of her less-seen gentle side, starkly contrast her typically stoic demeanor.

NEVER LOOK AWAY reflects on what it means to live with passion and purpose. It doesn’t just chronicle a life; it challenges viewers to consider the essence of courage and the profound personal costs of relentless truth-seeking. Lawless’ film is a powerful exploration of a woman’s indomitable spirit and an evocative tribute to the transformative power of storytelling. This documentary is essential for anyone captivated by tales of human resilience and the intricate dance between personal sacrifice and professional duty.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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