KISS THE GROUND -- An Educational Doc About Combating Climate Change

Review by Camden Ferrell

Kiss the Ground is a documentary from directors Josh Tickell and Rebecca Tickell. Narrated by Woody Harrelson and featuring other celebrities and activists, this is a documentary that overcomes its lulls with a powerful message that may very well save our planet and humanity.
 
This documentary highlights one of the leading viable solutions to Earth’s climate change. The movie talks about the many ways in which regenerating soil is possible but also beneficial and essential to preserving our planet. This is a very serious issue that is posing a dire threat to all of humanity, and it’s a great foundation on which to convey the film’s message.
 
Climate change is presented in such a way that it allows the viewers to truly understand how dangerous it is. The movie isn’t afraid to use numbers and statistics to show the audience how urgent this situation is. It’s organized very well by introducing the problem and its effects on the world and following that with its proposed solution. It’s a simple format, but it’s executed effectively, and it makes a very solid argument built on strong rhetoric.
 
The movie features a wide variety of activists, scientists, and farmers who can testify firsthand about how serious our situation is. They are very reliable sources who provide numbers, anecdotes, and evidence supporting the film’s argument for soil regeneration. They may not be the most captivating subjects, but they are undeniably informed, and they strengthen the logical arguments of the film.

There is a sense of hopelessness present throughout the film. The current state of our planet is worrying, and it’s a scary threat that seems unsurmountable. However, Tickell and Tickell understand this and are able to quell those fears with hard evidence that show that soil regeneration is a viable solution that is entirely possible if we all work together to save the Earth. While the film does highlight the politics that impede such grandiose agricultural change, there is still a small glimmer of hope at the end of this film.
 
Rhetoric aside, this is a highly informative film that serve as a fantastic lesson in climate change and agriculture. It teaches you about the history of the detrimental practices that have led us to where we are today, and it also provides lots of information into the machinations of soil, agriculture, and the carbon cycle. It’s a great lesson for viewers of all ages. Even if it isn’t the most entertaining lesson, it is a beneficial learning experience nonetheless.
 
The film’s major flaw comes from its inconsistent tone and pacing. The first half of this film is fast-paced and riveting, but in its final half, even though there is a sense of urgency, the pace shifts abruptly, and its arguments aren’t nearly as strong. The final becomes more anecdotal from the perspective of farmers, and it doesn’t do as much to argue the film’s point as the first half. Regardless, the film has a great call to action that will hopefully inspire many to learn more about climate change and the many ways in which to combat it.
 
Kiss the Ground is an effective and well-argued documentary that should be an essential watch for all global citizens. It may not be consistently fascinating, but it contains information that could be vital for saving our planet. Earth is headed for climate chaos, but this movie shows us that our savior could be the very ground we inhabit.
 
Kiss the Ground is available on Netflix September 22.
 
Rating: 3.5/5