REVIEW: Searching for the elusive snow leopard in ‘The Velvet Queen’
Photo: The Velvet Queen follows two explorers as they search for the elusive snow leopard in Tibet. Photo courtesy of Vincent Munier / Provided by Film Forum press site with permission.
The Velvet Queen, the new documentary from Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier, is a captivating, thoroughly enthralling search for the elusive snow leopard in Tibet. Munier is also a character in the film, along with novelist/geographer Sylvain Tesson. The two set out in the harsh, yet beautiful terrain of this mountainous region looking for any sign of the cat. Along the way, they prove the old axiom that sometimes the journey is as fulfilling as the prize.
Munier and Tesson bring their camera equipment and spotting scope to desolate, remote regions of Tibet, searching the mountains and the many cuts in the rock to see if the snow leopard is lounging around. As they search, they are humbled by the wondrous landscape and the many animals they are able to view — animals such as a yaks, bharals, goas, wolves, foxes and blue bears. These species are not the snow leopard, yes, but they are every bit as magical and majestic. Some of them are rare finds to behold, especially those blue bears.
Munier and Tesson, along with Amiguet behind the scenes, are able to capture these creatures and their unique environment with such a respect for effective cinematography, creating portraits with fascinating light and shadows. Many shots showcase the animals as they traipse along a cliff edge, silhouetted against the darkening sky in the background. The opening images of the film feature a startling wolf hunt, with a pack going in for the ultimate kill. There are also the quieter moments of a solitary animal seemingly looking at the lens of the camera, lost in thought and hungry for the next meal.
Throughout the searching for the snow leopard — spoiler alert: they find one — this duo showcase a moving connection with each other and with nature. They wax poetic about what drives them to the upper-reaches of planet Earth to rediscover this hard-to-find species. They answer questions about their self-drive and determination, their quest to get away from civilization, and their yearning to have a real experience that is in touch with the environment. They are not anti-human, quite far from that stance actually. As they search for the leopard, they are themselves discovered by some local children, and they immediately stop their questing and have fun with the inquisitive kids.
There is no denying that the landscape can be difficult. The winds blow constantly. The cold, blistering and nonstop, almost emanates from the screen. The chapped lips are so prominent they’re almost a supporting character. Yet, there’s no complaining because Munier and Tesson intrinsically know that the hardships are necessary to complete the journey. If their goals were easy to achieve, they likely would not be as interested in realizing them until the bitter end. Helping accentuate the moods of the environs is Warren Ellis and Nick Cave’s evocative music.
The Velvet Queen, which is now playing New York City’s Film Forum, is a thoughtful pondering of animals and humans, and the connections between the two. Through the eyes of these two intrepid explorers, the audience is able to join the bloodless hunt for a snow leopard on the roof of the world. The journey to that end is a trip worth taking.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
The Velvet Queen (2021). Directed by Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier. Featuring Munier and Sylvain Tesson. Running time: 92 minutes. In French with English subtitles. Rating: 
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