“My mind is always somewhere else,” admits acclaimed American photojournalist Lynsey Addario in “Love+War,” a dynamic documentary by Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. The film offers a compelling portrait of a woman tirelessly documenting global conflicts while striving to maintain a semblance of home life.
Through raw, on-the-ground footage, poignant interviews, archival news clips, and Addario’s unwavering narration, the documentary sweeps viewers across a whirlwind of war zones: Ukraine, various parts of Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq, all teeming with human suffering. After over twenty years spent documenting the world’s most dangerous regions, Addario appears to thrive on the brink of death. Having endured two kidnappings, an ambush, and being thrown from a car, the film occasionally rushes through these harrowing experiences, leaving one to wonder how such an extraordinary life can be condensed into a mere 95 minutes?
Consequently, the most impactful segments of the film are also its most unhurried and personal. We meet a young Ukrainian teacher whose “truly wonderful life” was shattered by the Russian invasion, followed by Addario’s poignant, ultimately unsuccessful effort to save an African woman after childbirth. These moments, alongside Addario’s renowned photograph of a Ukrainian family tragically killed by mortar fire, provoke a crucial discussion on the ethical dilemmas of documenting individuals in extreme distress and the profound societal and political impact of such images.
In between assignments, the documentary takes us to Addario’s London home, where her incredibly steadfast husband, fellow journalist Paul de Bendern, looks after their two young sons. It’s clear that Addario’s frequent and often prolonged absences take a toll on everyone. However, the film, perhaps too delicately, breezes past the true emotional strain on the family and any marital challenges, quickly diverting back to the next international conflict.
Conversely, “Love+War” thoroughly explores Addario’s clever approach to turning what might seem like a professional disadvantage into a strength. In a male-dominated field, she leverages her gender to access exclusive women’s spaces, creating powerful and intimate portrayals of critical issues like maternal mortality rates in Sierra Leone and the harsh realities faced by abused women under Taliban rule in Afghanistan. While interviews are sparse and mostly forgettable, the joyful contributions of Addario’s three outspoken sisters offer welcome moments of levity, providing a much-needed contrast to the film’s otherwise intense and often somber atmosphere.
Yet, it is Addario herself who remains the most captivating voice and commanding presence throughout. Directors Vasarhelyi and Chin have a proven track record of exploring the thrilling and complex psychologies of individuals who push boundaries—much like free climber Alex Honnold in their acclaimed “Free Solo” (2018)—for whom risk assessment is a fundamental aspect of existence. Addario perfectly fits this mold. However, “Love+War” ultimately opts for a broad narrative sweep over deep psychological exploration. The result is a film that, despite its compelling dynamism, provides less profound insight into its subject’s psyche than the very photographs Addario risked everything to capture. And perhaps, that is precisely its point.
Love+War
Rated R for intense themes including bombs, burns, and extraordinary acts of bravery. Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes. Currently showing in theaters.