Canary (2023)
A documentary following glaciologist Dr. Lonnie Thompson on a race against time to preserve Earth's melting climate archives.
Canary - Movie Information
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Alex Rivest, Danny O'Malley
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 20, 2023 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Oscilloscope, APU Productions, Act 4 Entertainment, Boardwalk Pictures, End of the Road Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Canary - Plot
Daring to seek Earth's history contained in glaciers atop the tallest mountains in the world, Dr. Lonnie Thompson found himself on the frontlines of climate change—his life's work evolving into a salvage mission to recover these priceless historical records before they disappear forever.
Canary - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the breathtaking expedition unfold at 18,000 feet.
The fight for our future begins at 18,000 feet.
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Canary - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alex Rivest
- Danny O'Malley
Main Cast
- Lonnie Thompson
Producers
- Alex Rivest
- Adam Paul Smith
- Danny O'Malley
Canary - FAQs
What is Canary about?
Canary follows glaciologist Dr. Lonnie Thompson as he scales the world's highest peaks to extract ice cores containing hundreds of thousands of years of Earth's climate history. As glaciers melt at alarming rates, his scientific mission transforms into an urgent race to preserve these irreplaceable records before they disappear forever.
Is Canary worth watching for non-scientists?
Absolutely. Canary works as both a gripping adventure story and a deeply human portrait of one scientist's lifelong dedication. You don't need a science background to be moved by Dr. Thompson's climbs at 18,000 feet or to feel the urgency of what's being lost. Critics praised it as accessible and emotionally resonant.
Where can you stream or watch Canary?
You can watch Canary on several platforms. It's available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. If you prefer free options, check out Kanopy, Hoopla, or Fawesome — great choices if you have a library card or subscription.
Who is Dr. Lonnie Thompson and why does he matter?
Dr. Lonnie Thompson is one of the world's foremost glaciologists, renowned for leading high-altitude ice core drilling expeditions across the Himalayas, Andes, and Africa. His research has produced some of the most detailed climate records ever gathered, making him a pivotal figure in understanding how Earth's climate has changed over millennia.
What does the title Canary refer to?
The title is a nod to the classic “canary in a coal mine” metaphor. Glaciers act as early warning systems for the planet — sensitive indicators of climate change that signal danger long before it becomes catastrophic. Dr. Thompson's work treats these ice fields as Earth's own alarm system, one that is rapidly going silent.
Who directed Canary and who produced it?
Canary was co-directed by Alex Rivest and Danny O'Malley. The film was produced by Alex Rivest, Adam Paul Smith, and Danny O'Malley, with production companies including Oscilloscope, APU Productions, Act 4 Entertainment, Boardwalk Pictures, and End of the Road Films.
Is Canary based on real events and real science?
Yes, entirely. Canary is a documentary grounded in decades of real fieldwork by Dr. Lonnie Thompson and his team at Ohio State University. The ice cores, the expeditions, and the climate data are all genuine. The film documents an ongoing scientific effort with real-world consequences for how we understand and respond to climate change.
What similar documentaries would fans of Canary enjoy?
If Canary resonated with you, try David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet for another deeply personal environmental portrait, or A Plastic Ocean for a hard-hitting look at ecological crisis. Naqoyqatsi offers a more artistic meditation on humanity's relationship with nature. All three share Canary's sense of urgency and wonder.
More About Canary
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