In 2021, Andreas Malm released the nonfiction book How to Blow Up a Pipeline: Learning to Fight in a World on Fire as director Daniel Goldhaber of Cam (2018) directed turning the book into a radical film of the same name as the book. Instead of turning Malm’s work into a traditional documentary, Goldhaber turns Malm’s work into a social justice, pulse-pounding, and captivating heist film.
Goldhaber’s film is similar to Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Eleven without all the comedic humor while this film tackles climate change. Best friends Xochitl (Ariela Barer) and Theo (Sasha Lane) come up with a scheme to rig explosives to blow up an oil pipeline in West Texas. Xochhitl, Theo, and with the help of six other environmental activists come together to send a message to the oil and gas industry. The film also stars Kristine Froseth, Jayme Lawson, Lukas Gage, Forrest Goodluck, Jake Weary, Marcus Scribner, and Irene Bedard.
Based on the film’s title, there is some controversy to be explored. Is it daring to call the film like this? Yes, but the title of the film is worthy of it. Full of explosive emotions Goldhaber co-wrote the film with Barer and Jordan Sjol. Each character is compelling in their own way. Barer is clearly giving it her all as her character is very outspoken and the fierce leader in charge. Her character, Xochitl lost her mother to a disease that was caused by living near a power plant while Theo is sick with leukemia which is also tied to the power plant. Not just these characters, but the rest of the cast has their own story and at least a reason why they are committed to completing this mission.
The thrilling moments take place when a bomb might go off or if there is a worry they could get caught. There is a heart-beating tension infused with each scene. There are great backstories filled with flashbacks as audiences watch to sympathize with each of the characters. However, given the characters are committing a crime, is it worth seeing them get away with it? Goldhaber challenges the audience’s feelings and emotions and has them question the world around us.
The whole cast is spectacular as no one outshines the other. Everyone’s chemistry feels organic along with the conversations they all have together. However, the most worthy performance of recognition needs to go to Lane. It’s the best performance she has ever given.
Given the next award season, I wouldn’t be surprised if this film gets recognized at the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Goldhaber accomplishes everything that he was set out to do given the narrative. Forget all the climate change films like An Inconvenient Truth (2006) as Goldhaber’s ecothriller gives audiences a reason why a subject matter like this is more important than ever. How to Blow Up a Pipeline is completely worthy of an audience’s time and is one of the most important films that are insightful and addresses a crisis at this moment in time.
I give this film a 9 out of 10.
