Watch Stalking Chernobyl: Exploration after Apocalypse

Stalking Chernobyl: Exploration after Apocalypse is a documentary film that takes an in-depth look at the abandoned city of Pripyat, Ukraine, and the surrounding areas affected by the Chernobyl disaster. Directed by Iara Lee and produced by George Gund III, the film explores the aftermath of the nuclear accident that occurred on April 26, 1986, and its lasting impact on the people and environment of the region.

The film is shot in a style that combines documentary footage with personal stories and interviews with a diverse group of people who have a connection to Chernobyl. In addition to scientists, historians and activists, the film features individuals who have a personal connection to the disaster - some of whom were children in the region at the time of the explosion, others who have chosen to go back to the area years later to explore the ruins and abandoned buildings.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the stunning cinematography. The film is full of haunting and gorgeous views of Pripyat's urban ruins and the nearby forest - each shot carefully framed to convey a sense of beauty and unease. The post-apocalyptic atmosphere created through the visuals is both breathtaking and otherworldly.

The film highlights a number of challenges that Ukraine and the neighboring countries are currently facing following the disaster. For instance, there are the concerns associated with ongoing radiation - the movie shows the impact of radiation on both the fauna and flora of the region as well as the bodies of those exposed to the disaster.

Stalking Chernobyl goes beyond the usual narrative of the Chernobyl disaster by highlighting the human cost of the catastrophe. The film documents the stories of many families who had their lives destroyed by the disaster. We see how it has affected not just their health, but also their home and work life. It is a chilling reminder of how natural and man-made disasters can irrevocably alter one's life.

One of the most remarkable characters included in the documentary is the Ukrainian photographer and activist Igor Kostin. Kostin was one of the few photographers who documented the disaster from the beginning. His images, an important part of the movie, showcase the immediate aftermath of the explosion - the devastation, pain and destruction that the crisis caused.

Despite the lingering sadness, the film is not overly mournful. The director showcases the post-apocalyptic environment in which the local populations now live with a sense of discovery and wonder, framing this world with an eerie beauty that slowly reveals itself to the audience.

The director spends a lot of screen time witnessing and documenting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This is the area surrounding the nuclear power plant deemed unsafe for human habitation for hundreds of years because of the excessive presence of radioactive isotopes. The zone is an open-air laboratory, a playground for adventurers and explorers, and also a playground for both the Ukrainian military and, at times, foreign tourists.

In summary, Stalking Chernobyl: Exploration after Apocalypse captures the devastating tragedy, the remarkable human endurance, and the enduring beauty of what is likely to be the most iconic disaster in human history. It is a well-crafted documentary that sensitively captures the human aspect of the Chernobyl disaster and its lasting impact. The primary aim of this documentary is to raise awareness of the consequences of this particular human-made disaster and encourage continued research and a greater understanding of the impact of nuclear power. This is not only significant for the people directly involved but for everyone who travels the long and winding road of the future.

Stalking Chernobyl: Exploration after Apocalypse is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.