Release Date: July 19th, 2013 (Limited)
Director: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Film Pulse Score: 9/10
In 2010 Dawn Brancheau, a trainer at Sea World, was killed by an Orca by the name of Tilikum. Though this wasn’t the first person Tilikum attacked, or even killed, Sea World was quick to blame her death on trainer error and sweep the incident under the rug. Gabriela Cowperthwaite’s documentary Blackfish explores this and other orca attacks, and takes a look as to why these docile and very intelligent creatures become aggressive in captivity. Through gut-wrenching interviews and footage, the film exposes the hell these animals are subject to in captivity. It’s a film designed to cause outrage and sadness, and it succeeds at everything it sets out to do.
Though the majority of the film focuses on the wrongdoings of Sea World, it takes a broader look at the psychological toll captivity has on the whales and the abhorrent conditions they must live in. From being separated from their families in the wild, to the cramped living spaces, it quickly becomes clear why they would act as they do.
In addition to exploring the cause of these attacks, Blackfish goes straight for the jugular of Sea World, exposing the organization as a corrupt, money hungry, and down right criminal institution that profits from lies and cover-ups. They mislead trainers, lie to park guests, and stop at nothing to make a buck. These revelations in the film prove to be more shocking than even some of the attack footage shown.
Like 2009’s The Cove, this film has the opportunity to make real change. Parks like this rely on people attending the shows and anyone with half a heart that sees this film will never want to step foot in a place like that ever again. Unfortunately, representatives from Sea World refused to be in the film, effectively making it a one sided argument, which leaves it vulnerable to being refuted. Of course, this has already happened and the filmmakers were quick to respond. Click here to read what was said.
Speaking of the documentary itself, it blended interviews with scientists and trainers with large amounts of footage, some of which is almost too hard to watch. To lighten the mood a bit, the filmmakers inject old Sea World commercials and promotional materials, which will most likely make viewers even more outraged. Courtroom transcripts were displayed using animation, which looked great and effectively spiced up information that would otherwise feel dry.
Blackfish is an expertly crafted documentary that causes equal parts sadness and rage. It doesn’t demand better treatment for the whales. It doesn’t demand better conditions or better training. It demands that they be set free, as that’s the only viable and humane option. Even if you’re not an animal lover, this is a film to see and support.
