In the remote corners of rural Devon, a hidden Britain exists far from the hustle of modern life. A compelling new documentary, Where Is Heaven, lifts the veil on the extraordinary individuals who have chosen complete isolation, creating a poignant exploration of what drives people to abandon conventional society.
The Unseen Communities of Devon
Filmmakers have captured unprecedented access to these modern-day hermits, living in makeshift shelters and abandoned structures scattered across the Devonshire countryside. The documentary reveals not just the practical realities of off-grid existence, but the complex human stories behind each choice to disconnect.
One particularly striking sequence follows a man who has lived for years in a rudimentary shelter, his only company being the wildlife that surrounds him. His story, like others in the film, raises profound questions about the nature of community, happiness, and what we consider 'normal' in contemporary Britain.
More Than Just Survival
While the practical challenges of off-grid living are evident - from sourcing water to enduring harsh weather conditions - the film delves deeper into the psychological dimensions of such extreme isolation. These aren't just survival stories; they're intimate portraits of people seeking meaning beyond mainstream society's expectations.
The documentary carefully avoids romanticising their circumstances, instead presenting a balanced view that acknowledges both the freedom and the profound loneliness that can accompany such radical choices.
A Mirror to Modern Society
What makes Where Is Heaven particularly relevant is its timing. As Britain grapples with rising living costs, housing crises, and increasing digital saturation, these extreme lifestyle choices feel less like eccentricities and more like meaningful responses to contemporary pressures.
The film serves as a powerful counter-narrative to conventional success stories, suggesting that for some, true fulfilment lies not in accumulation but in radical simplification.
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
Early reviews have praised the documentary's sensitive approach and stunning cinematography, noting how it captures the breathtaking beauty of the Devonshire landscape that forms the backdrop to these unusual lives. The film doesn't seek to provide easy answers, but rather to open a conversation about the diversity of human needs and the many forms that a meaningful life can take.
For viewers accustomed to the constant connectivity of modern life, Where Is Heaven offers a startling glimpse into an entirely different way of being - one that exists just beyond the edges of our ordinary awareness.
