A Comprehensive Review of the Movie “I Am Greta” (2020): A Powerful Portrait of Youth Activism and Climate Action
Introduction
Released in 2020, I Am Greta is a deeply personal and inspiring documentary directed by Nathan Grossman, chronicling the rise of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. More than just a documentary about climate change, the film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at a determined teenager who becomes the face of a global movement. From her lone school strike outside the Swedish Parliament to her speeches before world leaders, I Am Greta captures her relentless activism, struggles with Asperger’s syndrome, and the personal cost of her meteoric rise to fame.
Plot Summary
The documentary opens with Greta as a quiet yet fiercely determined teenager holding a sign that reads “Skolstrejk för klimatet” (School Strike for Climate), protesting alone outside Sweden’s parliament in 2018. What begins as a one-person demonstration quickly evolves into a worldwide movement, inspiring millions of students to strike for climate action.
Grossman follows Greta as she navigates political arenas, global conferences, and media scrutiny, capturing both her triumphs and the intense pressure she faces. The film builds toward its dramatic climax, Greta’s gruelling, wind-powered voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to deliver a speech at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York City.
Along the way, I Am Greta does not just focus on her activism but also provides an intimate look at her challenges as a teenager living with Asperger’s, her personal struggles with fame, and her deep emotional connection to the climate crisis.
Themes Explored:
1. The Power of Youth Activism
One of the most striking aspects of I Am Greta is how it highlights the power of young voices in effecting change. Greta’s activism is not just symbolic, she confronts powerful leaders with undeniable scientific evidence, forcing them to acknowledge their inaction. The film serves as a call to action for young people, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
2. Climate Change and Political Inaction
While I Am Greta is a deeply personal documentary, it does not shy away from its larger message: global leaders have consistently failed to act on climate change. Throughout the film, Greta fearlessly calls out governments and corporations for their empty promises and lack of tangible action. Her famous speeches, including “How dare you?” at the UN Summit, resonate as urgent pleas for accountability.
3. Greta’s Personal Struggles & Strengths
The film offers a nuanced portrayal of Greta’s personality, showing how her Asperger’s diagnosis contributes to her unwavering focus and resilience. While many critics dismiss her as “mentally ill” or “a puppet,” the documentary counters these narratives by showcasing her genuine passion, intelligence, and commitment.
At the same time, it also humanizes her struggle, we see her exhaustion, her social isolation, and the immense burden she carries. One particularly moving moment occurs during her Atlantic voyage when she reflects on how much she has given up for her activism, revealing the emotional toll of her mission.
4. Media & Public Perception
Throughout the film, Greta is subjected to public scrutiny, online hate, and dismissive attitudes from politicians. Despite this, she remains undeterred, responding with wit and unwavering determination. The film raises important questions about how society treats outspoken young women, particularly those challenging authority.
Conclusion:
I Am Greta is not just a documentary about climate change, it is a portrait of a girl who refused to stay silent. It is an emotional, thought-provoking, and inspiring film that challenges viewers to reflect on their own role in fighting the climate crisis.
The movie remains a crucial film for today’s generation. It highlights the urgency of climate change, the courage of youth activism, and the power of persistence. For children and families, it serves as an educational tool, teaching our precious children that they, too, can be agents of change. For policymakers and adults, it is a wake-up call, reminding them that inaction is not an option.
