Watch Windfall

Windfall is a compelling documentary released in 2010 that explores the controversial topic of wind power and its effects on the small town of Meredith, New York. The film follows the ups and downs of the town's journey as it becomes the site of a lucrative wind farm, from the initial hope and excitement that comes with the possibility of financial gain and a greener future, to the bitter conflicts that arise between neighbors due to wind turbine noise, environmental impact, and health concerns.

The residents of Meredith are predominantly farmers or retirees living on fixed incomes. When a wind developer arrives in the town and begins looking for landowners willing to host turbines, it seems like a godsend for some struggling families. The film introduces us to a handful of these individuals, each with their reasons for wanting to sell their land to the developer. Some families hope to use the money to pay off debt or finance their children's education, while others see it as a way to leave a financial legacy for their grandchildren. The wind company promises these landowners yearly payments of up to $10,000 per turbine, so it's easy to see why many of them are eager to get on board.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that not everyone is thrilled about the wind farms moving into their community. Some residents raise concerns about the potential negative impact on the local landscape and wildlife, while others worry that the turbines will drive down property values or disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the town. The film gives voice to these dissenters, including a number of neighbors who organize protests against the wind project and other forms of activism to get their voices heard. Though the protesters are small in number, they are passionate in their beliefs, and the tension between pro- and anti-wind factions in the town creates a palpable sense of conflict.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it explores the ambiguities of the issue at hand. On the one hand, there's no denying the potential benefits of wind power in terms of reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change. On the other hand, the film highlights the many ways that wind power projects can be controversial in practice, with effects ranging from aesthetic disruption to noise pollution to decreased property values. The film does not take a hard stance one way or the other, but rather allows the complex viewpoints of its interview subjects to come to the fore.

The film also delves into the local political and legal battles that arise as a result of the wind farm project. Meredith's Town Board must navigate complicated legal agreements with the wind company while simultaneously fielding complaints from both anti-wind and pro-wind constituents. Meanwhile, a group of residents files a lawsuit against the Town Board, alleging that they did not adequately vet the wind company before giving them the go-ahead to build the project. The layers of bureaucracy and litigation only serve to further complicate the situation, causing frustration on all sides.

Throughout the film, we get to know a handful of Meredith residents on a personal level, which helps to ground the film's larger themes in intimate, relatable stories. We meet a couple who has lived in the town for over 40 years and is proud of their self-sustaining lifestyle, but who must grapple with the decision of whether or not to lease their land to the wind company. We also meet a man who bought land in Meredith as a retirement investment, only to find that the land he purchased is now the site of some of the most controversial turbines. These personal stories add human interest to the larger debate around wind power, and help to give the film an emotional weight.

Overall, Windfall is a thought-provoking documentary about the complexities of the wind power industry and its effects on a small community. The film is well-executed, with beautiful shots of the New York landscape and insightful interviews with Meredith residents from all sides of the issue. While it may not be a comfortable watch for some, it's an important film for anyone interested in energy policy, environmentalism, or civic engagement.

Windfall is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 65.