I see several documentaries each year: Nature films, concert-docs, profiles of famous and sometimes not-so-famous people. Normally one or two stand-out above the rest. One of my top 10 films of 2012 was “Searching for Sugar Man”, which went on to win numerous awards, including the Best Documentary Feature Oscar. I am confident to say that I have now seen the top contender for every 2013 documentary honor.
The best way to describe how I felt walking out of the theater after watching the killer whale documentary “Blackfish” is stunned. This is not a cute nature film about Shamu. “Blackfish” is a thorough and captivating examination of the use of these incredible creatures in theme park shows, and the history of negative results, which culminated in the killing of veteran SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau by a 12,000-pound orca named Tilikum back in 2010.
It’s impossible not to be overwhelmed by this film. Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite goes incredibly deep, using amazing, never-before-seen footage of actual, life-and-death events, along with TV news accounts and raw, compelling interviews with former SeaWorld trainers and others forever effected by this practice of capturing killer whales and turning them into entertainers.
“Blackfish” is the most powerful and gripping film I’ve seen so far this year. It’s intense and shocking. It will make you angry and make you sad. Cowperthwaite intentionally starts the movie in a somewhat light tone, but things soon change dramatically and you are pulled under for an unexpected and often terrifying ride. Prepare to be blown-away. The filmmaking is tremendous. This is what every documentary should strive to be: important, emotional and completely mesmerizing.
“Blackfish” is rated PG-13 for animal violence and disturbing images. It has a guaranteed spot on my 10 Best Films of the Year list.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Blackfish” gets an A.