Fire of Love: Lava & Love

Rivers of red, hot lava offset by mountains of gray ash come into view creating the most stunning visuals to ever grace the screen.

Sara Dosa’s documentary Fire of Love centers on the French volcanologist couple, Katia and Maurice Krafft fearless dedication to their love for volcanoes and each other. Their story starts in 1966 and extends over 25 years as they traveled the globe following active volcanos. They got as close as they could to the dangerous spectacles from hot rock showers to lava rivers.

They recorded it all leaving behind over 200 hours of filmed and photographic evidence of volcanic destruction and creation that is unlike anything you have ever seen before. The left-behind footage turns this into a hypnotic experience while also telling the life story of the Kraffts. They bonded over the addiction to volcanos and ultimately fell in love for this reason.

The adventurous couple were like scientists and the eruption sites were their living laboratories. Instead of collecting evidence for off-site research, the focus of their work was just being there in the moment of the Earth ripping itself apart. They also rejected scientific beliefs on volcanos and instead saw each one as its own unique experience.

There is child-like awe from the two as they dive into the secrets behind volcanic eruptions. Volcanos were their fuel to keep them going. Among their massive archived footage are terrifying and beautiful images of nature as they get up close and personal with lava. It almost feels cinematic and sci-fi. They know how high the stakes are of risking their lives. Their relationship shown is very subtle and the way they are willing to stand by each other in the midst of danger just proves that they are in love.

While the documentary lets you know from the beginning this story ends in heartbreak, its powerful images keep you enthralled.