Watch Into the Inferno

Into the Inferno is a 2016 documentary film directed by Werner Herzog that explores the relationship between humans and volcanoes in different parts of the world. The film features some incredible footage of volcanic eruptions and interviews with experts in volcanology, anthropology, and folklore. The filmmakers start in Ethiopia, where they meet a volcanologist named Clive Oppenheimer who has been studying the region's volcanoes for several years. Oppenheimer takes the crew on a helicopter tour of the Danakil Depression, which is one of the most spectacularly hostile places on Earth. They witness bubbling pools of molten sulfur and swelter in temperatures of almost 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Eventually, they arrive at the Erta Ale volcano, which has been erupting almost continuously for over a century. They hike up to the rim of the crater and peer down into the fiery abyss, while Herzog muses about the mysterious allure of volcanoes.

The next stop is in North Korea, where the crew is given access to the secretive state's most active volcano, Mount Paektu. The mountain is considered sacred by the North Korean people, and the film explores some of the myths and legends that have grown up around it. The filmmakers are accompanied by a group of high-ranking North Korean scientists, who explain some of the ways that their country is trying to predict and prepare for future eruptions. Although there are some surreal moments, such as when Herzog and his crew are forced to sing karaoke with their hosts, the overall tone is respectful and informative.

The third location the film visits is in Indonesia, where the team visits the Cakratao volcano. This segment includes footage of the devastating 2004 tsunami, which was triggered by an underwater earthquake near the fault line that runs beneath Indonesia's many volcanoes. The filmmakers speak to local people about their experiences of the disaster, and Herzog reflects on the human tendency to try to find meaning or patterns in catastrophic events.

The film's final location is in Iceland, where the crew interviews a man who believes that the country's volcanoes are home to a race of magical beings called huldufólk. Herzog is skeptical of this belief, but the man's conviction is compelling. The team also speaks to a volcanologist who has been monitoring the Bardarbunga volcano, which erupted in 2014, and learns about some of the techniques that are used to detect and track volcanic activity.

Throughout the film, Herzog's narration is thoughtful and poetic. He muses on the ways that our relationship with volcanoes is both inspired and threatened by their power, and the film does a good job of balancing scientific information with more philosophical musings. The interviews with experts are informative and interesting, and the footage of volcanic eruptions is truly awe-inspiring. The film also includes some incredible aerial shots of the landscapes around the volcanoes, capturing the intricate patterns of rock formations and the contrast between the barren terrain and the fiery spurts of molten lava.

Overall, Into the Inferno is a fascinating exploration of the way that humans have interacted with volcanoes throughout history. Herzog's unique perspective and engaging narration make it a thought-provoking and visually stunning documentary. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a lover of nature documentaries, or just looking for something a little different to watch, this film is well worth checking out.

Into the Inferno is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 76.