AS IF THEY WERE ANGELS

Cinemavixion Review

“As If They Were Angels” is a profoundly moving documentary that plunges viewers into the heart of a devastating World War II naval tragedy off the coast of Newfoundland. In February 1942, a confluence of treacherous storms, navigational miscalculations, and communication failures led to the grounding of three U.S. Navy ships: the USS Wilkes, USS Truxtun, and SS Pollux. The ensuing chaos saw hundreds of young sailors battling the unforgiving, ice-cold Atlantic. Yet, amidst this grim reality, an inspiring saga of human courage and compassion unfolded. Residents of the nearby communities of St. Lawrence and Lawn—miners, fishermen, and even teenagers—embarked on a perilous rescue mission. They descended treacherous 300-foot cliffs and braved blizzards and frigid surf to pull survivors from the clutches of the sea. Drawing upon the poignant firsthand accounts of both those who were rescued and those who risked their lives to save them, this film vividly portrays not only the sheer horror of the maritime disaster but also the remarkable resilience, selfless sacrifice, and profound humanity that characterized one of the most heroic civilian-led rescue operations in wartime history.