Exploring ‘Blink’: A Thought-Provoking Movie Review on the Gift of Sight

Explaining blindness to a child can be tough. When one of Edith Pelletier’s kids asked about losing their sight, she replied, “Imagine having your eyes closed all the time…” This simple answer tries to capture something deep and complex.

Edith and her husband, Sebastien, have four children: Mia, Leo, Colin, and Laurent. Sadly, three of them have retinitis pigmentosa. This genetic condition causes their retina to gradually deteriorate. While the kids might find medical terms amusing, for their parents, life changed dramatically.

The documentary follows the family’s journey after the diagnosis. It highlights how blindness isn’t the same for everyone. Some experience night blindness, while others have tunnel vision or lose their central sight. For these children, the first challenge is losing their ability to see well in the dark. Activities like stargazing, which many take for granted, become difficult.

Instead of just focusing on loss, the Pelletier family aims to create joyful memories for their children. The film shows them having fun and seeking adventure. The family travels around the world—from riding camels in Egypt to exploring the Amazon rainforest. They make sure to enjoy every moment together, ticking items off their bucket list, trying new foods, learning new languages, and even hiking in the Himalayas.

This journey captures the essence of family resilience and the power of happiness. Through every experience, they fill their children’s minds with memories, creating a rich tapestry of life that goes beyond sight.