Telluride Unveils ‘This Is Not a Drill’: Climate Warriors Battle Oil Giants in a Timeworn Struggle
Abhira 
At the 2025 Telluride Film Festival, director Oren Jacoby presents ‘This Is Not a Drill,’ a gripping documentary that chronicles the relentless fight of three determined climate activists standing up against the overwhelming power of the oil industry. The film captures the spirit of contemporary environmental activism by showcasing these ‘Davids’ as they rally for change, challenging the ‘Goliaths’ of corporate oil.
Jacoby’s lens intimately follows the activists’ journey, revealing their personal and collective struggles amid a daunting battle for a sustainable future. With evocative visuals, including stirring moments at pipeline protests in North Carolina featuring activists such as Justin Pearson, the documentary highlights the urgency and passion fueling this global movement.
Despite its compelling subjects and immediate relevance, the film feels anchored to a more optimistic version of the past, somewhat limiting its impact in a climate of escalating environmental crises. While the narrative underscores the hope and resilience of grassroots activism, it simultaneously evokes a sense of being trapped in earlier moments of the fight, with fewer breakthroughs than expected.
‘This Is Not a Drill’ offers audiences a thoughtful look into the courage and determination of those fighting climate change. However, its somewhat nostalgic tone may leave viewers yearning for a bolder, forward-looking perspective on this critical battle. Still, the documentary succeeds in humanizing the conflict and reminding us of the ongoing necessity for activism.
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