This absolutely charming and exhilarating documentary chronicles the trials and tribulations of John & Molly Chester, a husband & wife who attempt to build a farm on 200 acres of dry, rocky California soil; as if that wouldn’t be enough challenge, they set themselves the goal of creating a sustainable farm, one that works in harmony with nature instead of against it. I don’t have a whole lot to say about this movie except that it’s absolutely delightful and wonderful. It’s filled with some really magical and beautiful nature imagery, but it’s also often very funny, sometimes quite sad and, ultimately, surprisingly thoughtful. The movie is really immaculate; Chester has an eye for arresting visuals and also for voice-over that stays on the side of the genuinely thought-provoking and never quite crosses over into cheesy territory. It’s a movie that runs the emotional gamut for sure, but when it’s over, I just had a huge smile on my face, helped along immensely by the gorgeous credits song, Sun, Flood or Drought by the Avett Brothers. The movie is about the struggle, but it’s ultimately a hopeful moviem about humanity and the natural world. The Biggest Little Farm isn’t arguing that it’s easy for humanity to live in harmony with nature, but it clearly believes it’s possible and, by the time the credits roll, you probably will too. 4 stars.
tl;dr – witty, charming, ultimately hopeful documentary is filled with gorgeous images of nature and a compelling story; uplifting and exhilarating. 4 stars.