Fathom Christian Review
To call Fathom a documentary about whales would be technically correct, but it’s also incomplete—like saying the ocean is just water. This isn’t your typical wildlife feature. Yes, there are humpback whales, their haunting songs, and the vast blue abyss they call home. But at its core, Fathom is really about humanity’s insatiable desire to understand, to connect, to bridge the seemingly unbridgeable gap between ourselves and the rest of creation. For anyone willing to sit with its slow, deliberate pace, it offers a meditative exploration of curiosity, creation, and what it means to seek understanding in a world full of mysteries.
Let’s talk about what Fathom is, what it’s not, and why it matters—especially for viewers who see creation as a reflection of the Creator.
Whalesong, Mystery, and the Human Spirit
The centerpiece of Fathom is humpback whalesong, that eerie, otherworldly sound that echoes through the ocean’s depths. For centuries, these songs have been part of the natural world’s most captivating mysteries. Scientists like Dr. Michelle Fournet and Dr. Ellen Garland are dedicating their lives to deciphering them, not just to understand what whales are saying (if “saying” is even the right word) but to explore what that communication might mean for us.
The film follows Fournet and Garland as they record, analyze, and ponder the intricacies of these vocalizations. But Fathom isn’t interested in providing simple answers. Instead, it lingers in the space between what we know and what we yearn to discover. That’s its magic—and also its challenge. If you’re hoping for a science-heavy breakdown of humpback behavior, you might feel underwhelmed. But if you’re willing to lean into the questions, you’ll find something more profound.
The Art of Slowing Down
One of the most striking aspects of Fathom is its pace. It doesn’t rush, doesn’t force its points, doesn’t try to dazzle you with constant action. Instead, it moves like the ocean itself—steady, expansive, and a little unpredictable. This might frustrate viewers expecting the rapid-fire editing of more traditional nature documentaries. But for others, it will feel like a breath of fresh air, an invitation to slow down and really see.
This slower rhythm allows the film to focus not just on the whales but also on the people studying them. Dr. Fournet and Dr. Garland aren’t portrayed as larger-than-life heroes; they’re real, flawed, and deeply passionate individuals. The camera lingers on their moments of quiet reflection, their frustrations, their small victories. It’s not just about the science—it’s about the process, the dedication, and the deeply human need to seek meaning in the unknown.
Communication Across Creation
One of the most beautiful themes in Fathom is communication. Whalesong, with its haunting melodies and rhythmic patterns, feels both alien and familiar, like a language we almost understand but can’t quite grasp. This echoes something deeply biblical—the idea that all of creation has a voice. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” In Fathom, it’s the ocean that speaks, through the songs of its largest inhabitants.
For Christians, this theme resonates on multiple levels. It’s a reminder that humanity isn’t the only part of creation with something to say. Whales, birds, trees, stars—all of them declare the Creator’s handiwork in their own way. And yet, the film also acknowledges the difficulty of truly understanding these voices. It’s a humbling reminder of our limited perspective and an invitation to approach the natural world with awe and curiosity.
The Scientists as Seekers
Dr. Fournet and Dr. Garland aren’t just scientists—they’re seekers. Watching them work, you get the sense that their research is about more than just data. It’s about connection, curiosity, and a deep respect for the world they’re studying. In a way, their work feels like a form of worship, even if it’s not framed that way.
There’s a particular scene where Dr. Fournet describes the thrill of discovering something new, of adding one more piece to the puzzle of knowledge. It’s a moment that feels profoundly human—and profoundly spiritual. For Christians, this can serve as a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge isn’t separate from faith. On the contrary, seeking to understand the world can be an act of worship, a way of marveling at the complexity and beauty of God’s creation.
The Beauty of Creation
Visually, Fathom is stunning. The cinematography captures the ocean’s vastness, its light and shadows, its sense of mystery. There’s a reverence to the way the camera lingers on the water, on the whales as they breach and dive, on the scientists as they listen intently to recordings of whalesong.
For a Christian viewer, these images can evoke a sense of worship. The ocean’s beauty, its depth and power, is a testament to the Creator’s artistry. It’s a reminder that the natural world isn’t just a backdrop for our lives—it’s a vital part of God’s creation, deserving of our care and respect.
The Tension Between Science and Philosophy
While Fathom excels at capturing the wonder of whalesong and the passion of its scientists, it doesn’t fully explore the deeper philosophical questions it raises. What does it mean to communicate with another species? How do we find meaning in the mysteries of the natural world? And what does this pursuit say about us as humans?
The film hints at these questions but never dives deeply into them. For some viewers, this will feel like a missed opportunity. For Christians, it might feel like a gap waiting to be filled—an opening to reflect on the spiritual implications of the story Fathom is telling.
A Quiet Call to Stewardship
Perhaps the most subtle but powerful message of Fathom is its call to stewardship. The film doesn’t preach about conservation or climate change, but its focus on the beauty and mystery of whales is a quiet reminder of what we stand to lose if we fail to care for creation.
For Christians, this is a vital part of our calling. Genesis 2:15 describes humanity’s role as caretakers of the earth, and Fathom is a gentle nudge to take that responsibility seriously. It’s not a call to panic but a call to wonder—and, from that wonder, to action.
A Film Worth Sitting With
Fathom isn’t for everyone. Its slow pace and contemplative tone require patience, and its focus on the scientists rather than the whales might feel like a letdown for some. But for those willing to embrace its rhythm, it offers a deeply rewarding experience.
It’s a film that invites reflection, that celebrates the joy of discovery and the beauty of creation. It doesn’t provide all the answers, but it leaves you with plenty to think about—and, perhaps, a renewed sense of awe for the world around you.
Final Thoughts and Rating
In the end, Fathom is more than just a documentary about whales. It’s a meditation on curiosity, connection, and creation. It reminds us of the beauty and mystery of the natural world, of the joy of seeking knowledge, and of the importance of caring for what God has made.
Rating: 8/10
Fathom is a visually stunning, thought-provoking film that celebrates the wonder of creation and the human spirit of discovery. While it doesn’t fully explore all its philosophical implications, its reverence for the natural world and its quiet call to stewardship make it a worthwhile watch for those willing to slow down and listen.
