For as gorgeous and inspirational as Dianne Whelan’s 500 Days in the Wild is, there is a tendency to drift into near aimlessness due to the sweeping nature of Whelan’s journey. What stays true, however, is that there is a great kindness in humans of all kinds to be present and support those in need.

Award-winning filmmaker Dianne Whelan, disillusioned by the current state of the world due to climate change, decides to record herself hiking across the Trans Canada Trail, the world’s longest trail, in the hopes of becoming a bit wiser and more hopeful about the world we live in.

A film full of introspection and realisation, Dianne Whelan’s 500 Days in the Wild is breathtakingly intimate, from the sprawling shots of isolation we see Whelan in to how simple gestures can mean the world to someone in need. This is more than a film about a journey and is as much a showcase for the beauty of Canada as it is for the people who live in it.

There is an awful lot to like about this documentary, from the awe-inspiring watch of a woman traversing 24,000 km with little to no experience without ever using a motor (apart from a ski). The feats’ impressiveness, as well as the scenery we see at times, takes your breath away.

Interestingly, in 500 Days in the Wild, while we are inspired and engrossed in Whelan’s journey and its haphazard nature, it is the stories and experiences with people throughout that are the real stars of the film. We see how people from all kinds of backgrounds are more than willing to assist her when she needs it the most. If this film does one thing, it is that it restores your faith in humanity, or at the very least, in Canadians.

This is never more true than in the case of the indigenous population in the northern territories that Whelan encounters. As Whelan tries her best to show respect for their culture (not always fully succeeding, but God loves a trier), she presents an opportunity for audiences to gain an appreciation for these people and their land. This is especially the case for non-Canadians

Where aspects like that shine in the documentary, there are continuous moments of frustration for the viewer in others. Despite having the gargantuan task of editing down 800 hours of footage into two hours, there are still several pacing issues spread throughout 500 Days of the Wild. Yes, we are meant to see how arduous Whelan’s journey is, and by showing these moments, it is meant to pull us into the film. However, it leaves us more wanting the film to kick on a touch faster.

500 Days in the Wild has all the markings of a fantastic documentary; it’s just a shame its pacing never fully matches what we’re seeing. However, there is a charm here that causes you to forgive it, making it a film that is well worth your time.

★★★

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