Mary Oliver’s poems are powerful works of art that blend the beauty of nature with the craft of poetry. From a young age, she found more solace in writing than in socializing with her peers. Although she faced years of rejection, she never gave up on her dream of becoming a successful writer. After 27 years of writing and perseverance, she finally achieved her breakthrough.
Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World offers a compelling look into Oliver’s life, tracing her journey to build a career in the arts while exploring how her unique identity and experiences as an outsider ultimately became one of her greatest strengths.
Seeing how the natural landscapes Mary loved found their way into her poetry helped illustrate just how much nature meant to her. She fell in love with upstate New York and frequently drove there to visit. The woodlands and streams she encountered in that region deeply influenced her writing.
After meeting her wife, Molly, she also began spending time in Provincetown, where she admired the area’s natural beauty and loved exploring its beaches and forests. The unique artist community there also was inspiring to help her feel empowered to create her own art. Seeing how these landscapes and communities shaped her poetry reminds viewers of the profound influence nature and artist communities can have on creative individuals. At a time now when virtual reality and social media influencers dominate so much of our attention, Mary Oliver’s deep appreciation for the natural world also feels more relevant than ever.
Mary was a woman of remarkable depth and compassion. Seeing how she believed that everything, even stones, possessed a kind of life revealed her deep commitment to understanding and preserving the natural world. In one scene, she reflects on how something as simple as a clam shares similarities with human beings. Watching it breathe and move reminds us that even the smallest creatures play an essential role in the natural world.
Mary also embraced her identity as a lesbian with honesty and confidence. Although she was never an activist, her love for women was expressed openly throughout her life. She was a woman who was so full of tenderness and romance. The documentary shows how living authentically allowed her to create work that continues to resonate with readers from all walks of life.
It is compelling to see the pushback Mary faced from magazines and editors throughout her career. Some dismissed her work, arguing that her style of poetry may have resonated 100 years ago but no longer belonged in the modern world. Watching her remain committed to her writing despite those criticisms was an inspiring reminder to never give up on your dreams and to always believe in the art you create.
In the end, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World is an outstanding documentary that feels especially timely, given the growing effects of climate change on our planet. Richly assembled with archival footage, it offers an intimate and engaging portrait of a talented woman’s life, career, and enduring legacy.
5/5 stars
