Into the Inferno

The documentary begins in Indonesia, highlighting the active volcano of Mount Sinabung. Director Werner Herzog, alongside volcanologist Clive Oppenheimer, investigates the impacts of volcanic activity on the surrounding communities and their beliefs.

Herzog travels to the Vanuatu Archipelago on Ambrym Island, where volcanoes dominate the landscape. The local chief, Mael Moses, shares stories of the village's connection to the spirits believed to maintain the volcanoes' fires and recollects the last significant eruption in 1968.

The villagers of Endu recall their history with volcanic eruptions, emphasizing their belief that lava signifies the devil's wrath. These beliefs lead to a three-year ban on visitors after devastation, showcasing an age-old connection with nature that faces modern threats.

Herzog and Oppenheimer's journey brings them to Mount Erebus in Antarctica, a significant focal point for their philosophical discussions. They explore the dual nature of volcanoes as both creators of life and harbingers of destruction, reflecting on humanity's fascination with them.

The documentary recalls Herzog's visit to La Soufrière in Guadeloupe in 1976, where the threat of an eruption prompted the evacuation of 70,000 residents. Notably, one man chose to remain behind, symbolizing the human struggle between fear and attachment to home amidst danger.

Katia and Maurice Kraft, a French couple, dedicated their lives to studying volcanoes and tragically lost their lives to a lava flow in Japan. Their story exemplifies the perils faced by those who seek to understand and document the violent nature of eruptions.

Lake Toba, the world's largest volcanic lake, is highlighted as a product of an eruption approximately 74,000 years ago. This monumental eruption resulted in significant ash dispersal, leading to a near-extinction event for humanity, with only a few survivors remaining.

Herzog journeys to the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia, noted for being the hottest place on Earth. Here, scientists study rift valleys that will create new volcanoes, showcasing the ongoing geological transformation of the Earth.

Erta Ale is introduced as one of only three volcanoes globally with exposed magma, garnering interest from researchers. Excavations in this area provide insights into early hominids, illuminating humanity’s ancient connections to volcanic landscapes.

In Iceland, volcanoes have significantly impacted society and culture, with past eruptions shaping local traditions. The documentary reflects on the challenges faced during eruptions, such as the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull event, emphasizing the Icelanders' rich history with these natural phenomena.

Mt. Paektu in North Korea is presented as a dormant volcano steeped in national pride and propaganda. The crew observes how the regime utilizes its historical significance while highlighting the social conditions of the surrounding area, deeply impacted by government control.

The documentary concludes on Tanna Island, where Mount Tasur is revered as a deity named John Frum. This local belief system reflects the deep spiritual connection between the villagers and the volcano, showcasing their cultural identity intertwined with the forces of nature.