Have you ever wanted to search for waves via sea plane? How about surfing with a pod of Orcas? Or what about 5mm + wetsuits, do you like them? If you answered yes to any of these questions then Nate Laverty’s new film Creatures of Habit is right up your alley. If you answered no, well then it’s even more of a must-see because its like reaping the rewards of hard-fought quests of frigid surf explorations without having to leave your home.
Do it justice and watch it on a big screen with the volume on high and properly feast on the cherry pickings of an incredible feat of extraordinary filmmaking. Scoring good-to-epic conditions in Canada is no easy feat, getting it all on film is even harder. All the more legendary because surfers like Pete Devries, Reed Platenius, Mathea and Sanoa Olin, and others, absolutely score everything from highly-rippable to heaving slabs. They scour the expansive coastlines by seaplane, boat, and on foot, to access remote waves and surf alongside Orcas and in the midst of snowstorms all accompanied by a killer soundtrack. Yeah, you betcha.
I first saw it last year at the Solento Film Festival and it rocked my world throughout its five distinct Acts (notes below). It had me dreaming about tagging along with Nate and company for some frigid adventures. Since then the film has been on the festival circuit and has been wow-ing audiences every step of the way.
“My wetsuit froze into a block of ice while waiting for a set. It was -25 °C air and 0°C water in Nova Scotia.”
Marcus Paladino
“They’re my favorite animal in the whole world, but seeing them in the lineup is definitely intimidating.”
Liam Macdonald
These are my notes below, pardon the brevity.
Act 1
Epic intro to funny spoof on vlogs. Insane shots of the notoriously difficult conditions of Vancouver island. Everything is harder when you’re in 5mm and 45 degrees
Act 2
Psych rock paced to stunning landscapes, frigid barrels, jade water, filmic shots, exploration, discovery, unreal water shots (imagine being that guy), mutant slabs, all underpinned by the fact that this is Canada and the chances of scoring big surf, good light, and clean conditions make this film a David vs Goliath type feat.
Act 3
Hip hop and youthful energy come on strong with a bit more sunshine than previously seen until you get to the jaw dropping elevator drop in / wipeout in what looks like a miserable day with god surf. All female part, insane surfing
Marcus Paladino
Act 4
Ice fishing reminds me of letterkenny “groms they’ll surf anything” builds up to epic intro of wild lighting and fast waves with strong spit—the kind that would blind you even if it wasn’t 40 degree water. Psych music and editing. I can only imagine the effort put into this project. Do yourself a favor and put it on a big screen with the volume on high and remind yourself that you’ve got it easy when it comes to your paddle out
Act 5
Killer whales and drum beats set the tone for yet another banger section of the film. Orcas join them for a surf. Puddle jumping not e-biking to find the surf. Slabs. Dangers unknown
Marcus Paladino
“These conditions lead to a different type of filmmaking. Each destination could have been its own story.”
Nate Laverty