The Cable That Changed the World

Across the ocean floor lies a thread that changed how the world talks to itself. The Cable That Changed the World revisits the first transatlantic link between Valentia Island in Ireland and Newfoundland in Canada, a project that stretched over eight years. The film uses archival footage and interviews to map the stubborn push, the technical setbacks, and the perseverance that finally bridged two continents. Jessie Buckley voices the narration, guiding viewers through a pivotal moment when telegraphy became the backbone of global commerce and media. It also connects that early effort to today, underscoring how undersea cables still shape finance, diplomacy, and daily life while remaining vulnerable. Its lessons feel contemporary, resonating with today's debates on infrastructure and resilience.

Directed by Ruán Magan and released in 2024, the documentary revisits the birth of the first transatlantic cable. Jessie Buckley narrates, and the film blends archival footage with expert interviews to illuminate the immense effort behind this milestone and its lasting impact on global networks.

The film frames a history of innovation, risk, and collaboration, showing how one cable reshaped commerce, diplomacy, and everyday life. It foregrounds the human effort behind engineering feats and invites viewers to consider the quiet but persistent vulnerability of today’s undersea networks. The tone stays informative and accessible, pairing intimate storytelling with technical context.

Box office data for this documentary has not been publicly disclosed, reflecting its festival and streaming release rather than a conventional wide theatrical run, which makes its reach harder to gauge. Global audiences may discover it through streaming platforms instead.

As of now there are no widely reported awards or nominations for The Cable That Changed the World. The film's clear, accessible approach to a dense historical subject and Buckley's engaging narration may boost its chances should it gain more festival exposure and wider streaming reach.