A Symphony of Silence: “Nocturnes” Captures the Elusive Beauty of the Moth
Deep in the eastern Himalayas, where the air hums with unseen life and the darkness itself seems to throb with energy, filmmaker Sarah Piers takes viewers on a journey into the heart of the night. “Nocturnes,” a mesmerizing documentary, offers an intimate portrait of a scientist and her assistant’s quest to understand the effects of a warming climate on the delicate lives of hawk moths.
Lepidopterist Mansi Mungee, armed with unwavering dedication and a UV-lit sheet rigged to attract these nocturnal wonders, meticulously studies the moths as they converge on the luminous panel.
The film unfolds almost elliptically, allowing the viewer to luxuriate in the patient rhythms of scientific observation. We witness Mungee and her assistant, Bicki, patiently watching for hours as the moths bask in the artificial moonlight, their wings blurring in a delicate dance against the velvety black backdrop.
“Nocturnes” is not a film filled with dramatic pronouncements or sweeping conclusions. Instead, it invites us to participate in a silent communion with nature, echoing the slow, deliberate movements of the moths themselves. Piers’ camera, moved with a sure hand, captures the intricate details of the insects, their powdery brown wings dusted with iridescent scales, their fuzzy bodies pulsing with life.
The stillness is deceptive, however. “Nocturnes” pulsates with a subtle, yet undeniable energy. The hum of insect wings blends seamlessly with the ambient sounds of the forest—the rustling of leaves, the distant trumpet call of an elephant, the steady chirp of crickets. On occasion, Nainita Desai’s minimalist score slips seamlessly into the soundtrack, a delicate counterpoint to the symphony of natural sound.
Mungee’s meticulous process—measuring wingspans, identifying each cryptic species—becomes its own form of performance art. Her quiet determination and unwavering focus speak to the profound responsibility she feels towards understanding and protecting these fragile creatures.
“Nocturnes” is not a film for those seeking a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled experience. It is a film for those who appreciate quiet contemplation, who find beauty in the smallest details, and who recognize the fragility and wonder of the natural world.
It is a film that reminds us that some of life’s most profound truths are often whispered, not shouted—revealed not in grand gestures but in the hushed stillness of the night.
“Nocturnes” opens December 6 in select theaters and on digital platforms.
What inspired filmmaker Sarah Piers to create a documentary about moths?
## A Symphony in the Darkness: An Interview with “Nocturnes” Filmmaker Sarah Piers
**Host:** Welcome to the show, Sarah. Your stunning new documentary, “Nocturnes,” has been mesmerizing audiences with its intimate look at the lives of hawk moths in the eastern Himalayas.
**Sarah Piers:** Thank you! It was such a privilege to spend time with Mansi Mungee, the dedicated lepidopterist who guided us through this incredible world.
**Host:** For viewers who might not be familiar, what drew you to telling this story about moths?
**Sarah Piers:** Moths often get overlooked, seen as simply pests or, at best, less glamorous cousins of butterflies. Yet, they’re vital pollinators and crucial to the ecosystem. I wanted to capture their quiet beauty and the vulnerability they face in a changing climate.
**Host:** The film beautifully portrays the patient rhythms of scientific observation. Can you tell us more about Mansi Mungee’s work and her relationship with these creatures?
**Sarah Piers:** Mansi’s passion for moths is truly contagious. She meticulously studies their behavior, driven by a deep respect for their delicate lives. We see her dedication in the long hours spent observing them, patiently waiting for them to converge on the UV-lit sheet she uses to attract them [[1](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/nocturnes-review-documentary-moths-1234946272/)].
**Host:** “Nocturnes” seems to embrace the quiet beauty of the nocturnal world rather than sensationalizing it. Was that a conscious decision?
**Sarah Piers:** Absolutely. I wanted to create a space where we could simply bask in the glow of these moths, appreciate their intricate wings and the delicate flutter of their flight. As the IndieWire review put it, “Dutta and Srinivasan wisely spend many moments simply basking in the glow of the moths” [[1](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/nocturnes-review-documentary-moths-1234946272/)].
**Host:** what do you hope viewers will take away from “Nocturnes”?
**Sarah Piers:** I hope viewers will develop a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. And perhaps, through the story of these moths, we can all connect more deeply to the fragility of our planet.
