Watch Off The Grid: Life Of The Mesa
- NR
- 2008
- 1 hr 6 min
-
7.4 (394)
Off The Grid: Life Of The Mesa is a captivating documentary film released in 2007 that follows a group of unique individuals who have decided to live off the grid and away from the constraints of modern society. The film features Cowboy, Gecko, and Dreadie Jeff, three men who reside on the Mesa, a remote area in New Mexico. From the beginning of the film, the audience is introduced to these nomads and immediately commences to witness their contrasting lifestyles to those of the average person. Cowboy, a cowboy by trade, resides in an old-fashioned Tipi that he has constructed himself. Gecko, on the other hand, lives in a homemade cabin and follows a vegan diet. Lastly, Dreadie Jeff, an ex-punk, takes the viewer on a tour of his newly constructed desert-based domicile, where he lives off-grid with his family.
The movie, unlike any other documentary film, conveys the daily lifestyles of the men without the use of dialogue. The documentary features stunning images of the rugged terrain and natural surroundings that provide a sense of the environment that the trio has come to cherish.
As the film progresses, Cowboy, with his love for horse training, reveals an insight into the unique way of living on the off-the-grid location of the Mesa. Gecko, with his creative flair and musical ability, provides a unique look at the world through his societal rejection of modern living. Finally, Dreadie Jeff provides a different perspective and introduces the viewer to his daily activities, which include constructing an Earthship house and creating vitally important water harvesting techniques.
The beauty of Off The Grid: Life Of The Mesa is its ability to connect with viewers in a non-verbal manner, highlighting the natural rhythms of life and the power of simplicity. It is a deeply meditative and reflective movie that delivers a stark contrast to the fast-paced and technologically driven life that most people live today.
As the movie unfolds, the viewer becomes entranced by the three protagonists' daily rituals, which include riding horses across the mesa under the vast blue sky, tending and working the land, and constructing minimalistic homes that blend in seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The documentary is a celebration of life, showcasing the joys of living in harmony with the environment and the satisfaction of living a meaningful and self-sufficient lifestyle.
Aside from portraying the beauty of life on the Mesa, the movie also reveals the harsh realities of living off the grid. For instance, the rugged terrain provides numerous challenges, from accessing clean water and dealing with harsh weather conditions to managing wild animals. Despite these challenges, the residents find these issues to be minor in comparison to the unrestricted freedom and sense of independence that comes with living off the grid.
Off The Grid: Life Of The Mesa is a unique and engaging documentary that delivers a unique perspective on what life can be like outside of societal norms. It is a movie that provides a sense of freedom, a sense of escape from the modern world, and reminds the viewer about the importance of living intentionally and harmoniously with nature.
In summary, Off The Grid: Life Of The Mesa portrays a distinct form of living, one that can feel foreign to many. However, the documentary highlights the beauty of this way of life and showcases the unique perspectives of those individuals who chose to live in a more minimalistic way. The film provides the viewer with a sense of calmness, an ability to escape from the daily stresses of modern life, and to appreciate the vast beauty of the world around us. It is a documentary that speaks to the heart and encourages us to consider living off the grid as a viable alternative to modern society.