Blackfish

5/5

Hands down the most compelling documentary I have seen since The Cove was released in 2009. This is the first critically acclaimed film to come from director Gabriela Cowperthwaite. This environmental film shares similar messages as that of The Cove but introduces them to us in an entirely new perspective. Blackfish delves into the true story behind the lives of whales in captivity at theme parks. Specifically, this film follows the life of Tilikum, one of the largest whales to ever be held in captivity. We follow the events of Tilikum’s life from when he is first captured to his time spent at multiple animal entertainment parks to where he is now permanently living in SeaWorld Orlando.  The story is narrated by previous Sea World animal trainers who had to quit due to their disgust with the treatment of animals and employees alike. These narratives provide a first-hand account of the deaths and injuries of multiple animal trainers that occurred as a result of the gross mistreatment of the large orca whales. Many of these incidences had since gone unpublicized due to Sea World’s intense legal team keeping the stories out of the public’s eye. This film has given passed animal trainers the opportunity to share their experiences and expose the poor treatment of animals at these parks in an attempt to save future trainers and orca whales alike from further injury or death. Blackfish is a gripping documentary from minute one and continues to keep your interest far beyond the credits of the film.