The Unbelievers

Richard Dawkins is an evolutionary biologist and Lawrence Krauss a physicist. The two travel the world together; they speak in halls, take part in university sessions and enter debates with religious figures. The documentary follows the tour. An opera house in Sydney, a hall in London, a convention in America. The subject is the same each time: a defence of the scientific worldview and a rejection of religious explanation. Other names speak in between and lend support. The two also talk backstage, arguing about what language they should use. Gus Holwerda directs. Richard Dawkins, Lawrence Krauss, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Ricky Gervais and Woody Allen are among those appearing. It is an American production. Its form is a road film; the narrative follows two people rather than presenting an argument. Its interesting side is the difference in method between the two scientists; Krauss is more conciliatory, Dawkins harder, and they discuss it themselves. Most of the supporters who speak are well known names and those sections are kept short. The narrative gives the other side almost no room; there are debate scenes but the cutting runs one way. It runs short and does not go deep into the subject. Its limit is method; the narrative addresses an audience already persuaded and puts forward nothing new. Another limit is scope; the philosophy of religion and theology are not taken up at all. Who it is for: viewers who follow science communication and Dawkins and Krauss. Who it is not for: it is one directional, shallow, and the debate is never really joined.