Having explored the Pacific with Sam Neill, examined the epic careers of film critic David Stratton (in David Stratton: A Cinematic Life) and oceanographer Valerie Taylor (in Playing with Sharks: The Valerie Taylor Story), Australian documentarian Sally Aitken examines a much smaller subject in her latest work.
How to watch Every Little Thing in Australia
Every Little Thing is screening in Australian cinemas from March 6.
What is Every Little Thing about?
Hummingbirds!
Inspired by Terry Masear’s 2016 book Fastest Things on Wings, Every Little Thing looks at Masear’s life and career as a hummingbird rescuer. Based in Los Angeles, Masear has been rescuing and rehabilitating hummingbirds for 18 odd years, which is adorable, but you may wonder if it’s enough to support a whole feature documentary. But Aitken deftly weaves Masear’s personal history into the film, and we learn how far she’s come from her pretty rough roots in rural Wisconsin.
The film doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the often grim realities of animal rescue: the world is an unforgiving place, and this beautiful little birds are awfully fragile, so maybe pack some tissues. It’s all about kindness, compassion, and resilience, with Aitken using these tiny wonders as a way into some big, important topics.
The cast of Every Little Thing
Terry Masear; many hummingbirds.
Every Little Thing trailer
Why we’re excited about Every Little Thing
Aitken’s filmography is nothing if not diverse. While at first blush the specific topic (hummingbirds? Really?) might seem a bit slight, if undeniably adorable, deft filmmaking and editing, coupled with some stunning wildlife videography, make this an utterly fascinating film. You may not think hummingbirds are an important enough topic for a whole feature, but the thesis here is that every little thing is important. Aitken underscores that point with every frame.
