Heart of an Oak
Laurent Charbonnier and Michel Seydoux
; selected UK cinemas
The oak tree is more than just a tree. For centuries, it has been seen as a symbol of fertility and resilience. In the UK, these trees provide food and shelter to more than 2300 species, of which 326 rely on them for survival.
Oak trees can live for more than a millennium, but 600 years is more typical, and they acquire 鈥渁ncient鈥� status at 400 and 鈥渧eteran鈥� status between 150 and 300. This longevity means they support more species and stable populations over time, making them an essential part of biodiversity 鈥� something directors Laurent Charbonnier and Michel Seydoux highlight in their nature documentary Heart of an Oak.
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Spanning 12 months in the life of a 210-year-old pedunculate oak in Sologne, Centre-Val de Loire, France, the film captures the natural world in various states. Alongside the lone woodland tree, a family of wood mice, a couple of Eurasian jays and a red squirrel are among the film鈥檚 stars, as they hunt or forage and occasionally hide from other 鈥渞esidents鈥� just to survive.
Heart of an Oak offers few embellishments: there is a minimal score and no narration. In their place is an emphasis on animal calls and actions, and even differences in the sound of leaves rustling as the seasons swiftly change on screen. This produces an overall peace and general stillness in which audiences can take refuge as they enjoy the simplicity and beauty of nature.
Seydoux and Charbonnier do, however, allow occasional musical interludes. For instance, Dean Martin鈥檚 song Sway accompanies a romantic interlude between two acorn weevils. And a tense scene where an Aesculapian snake slowly approaches two chirping chicks, eliciting panicked squawks from nearby birds, features a chilling percussive track. Sparingly used, these moments help bring a different tone to the documentary, while reminding audiences that nature isn鈥檛 completely peaceful and friendly.
Overall, the film offers an emotional investment that extends beyond the oak. From behind the camera, the directors carefully build rapport with the animals so audiences can empathise with their seeming joy or fear. This is mostly down to the ambience of the film, created by cinematographer Mathieu Giombini. The consistently detailed and intimate visuals offer a window into the world of each species, showing their individual behaviours, whether that is scurrying for food or cowering in fear from an impending downpour.
This style is perfectly complemented by Sylvie Lager鈥檚 smart editing, so sequences such as an imminent threat from a badger to a lone wood mouse during its routine hunt for acorns become exciting. An even more telling example of this editing is a thrilling chase between a Eurasian goshawk and a Eurasian jay, highlighting spectacular aerial photography and creating a sense of danger that disrupts what is otherwise often a serene environment.
While animals dominate above ground, several animated sequences provide an educational glimpse into the circle of life under the surface. Sporadic interludes show the roots of trees creating a supportive 鈥渘eural network鈥� with surrounding trees. In parallel, a lone acorn planted by a squirrel begins a new life as a sapling 鈥� an indicator of a future means of survival.
Quietly understated in its lucidity and grace, Heart of an Oak combines lush and vibrant cinematography with gentle direction to deliver an enthralling celebration of the natural world.
Katie Smith-Wong is a film critic based聽in London
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