Advocacy and Action Beyond the Tank

Read Time:3 Minute, 54 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Resident Orca
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Simon Schneider, Sarah Sharkey Pearce
Where To Watch: shown at the 2024 Planet in Focus Film Festival, Santa Fe International Film Festival, and will screen at Red Nation International Film Festival on November 13, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Wade into the stirring currents of the Salish Sea. RESIDENT ORCA, directed by Sarah Sharkey Pearce and Simon Schneider, follows the life of an orca known as Lolita, who spent decades in the Miami Seaquarium’s confinement. This isn't just a film capturing the spirit of a resilient marine creature; it delves into the grim world of aquatic entertainment, spotlighting the ethical battles fought to end such inhumane practices.

The story begins by introducing us to the Lummi Nation's efforts and relentless pursuit of rescuing Lolita and restoring her to her natural habitat. RESIDENT ORCA morphs into a riveting piece of cinematic activism, with tribal elders Squil-le-he-le (Raynell Morris) and Tah-Mahs (Ellie Kinley) leading the charge. Their connection to the orcas opens up a conversation about our shared ecological responsibilities and the pressing need to heal our relationship with the planet’s diverse ecosystems.

What strikes a chord in RESIDENT ORCA is its ability to maintain the suspense of a well-crafted thriller. Directors Pearce and Schneider capture the critical rescue operations with an urgency that makes your heart race, juxtaposing the chilling prospect of Lolita’s demise with a beacon of hope maintained by her advocates. The stakes are high, and the tension is palpable, making every scene where her fate hangs in the balance as gripping as any blockbuster.

From a visual standpoint, the film does an outstanding job contrasting the dilapidated conditions of the Seaquarium with the expansive freedom of the Salish Sea. This stark imagery is a powerful metaphor for Lolita’s stolen freedom and frames the broader implications of wildlife captivity. Scenes are packed with power, emphasizing the stark realities these majestic beings face when stripped of their liberty.

RESIDENT ORCA doesn’t shy away from diving deep into the moral quandaries surrounding animal captivity. It provokes viewers to ponder the actual value of life beyond what it can offer economically. Through the thoughtful insights provided by the Lummi elders, the film forges a critical evaluation of contemporary wildlife management and our moral imperatives.

As it peels back the layers of a once-accepted practice, the film also presents candid interviews with those who participated in Lolita’s capture. These interviews expose a disturbing glimpse into past mindsets and highlight the essential shift needed in societal values. This dialogue is reflective and a call to action, advocating for a transformative approach to how we treat our natural co-inhabitants.

As the story concludes, the documentary evolves into a saga of endurance and communal strength. It celebrates not only the life of one whale but also ignites a movement toward global environmental stewardship and animal rights advocacy. The film makes a compelling case for a harmonious existence with nature, championed through the story of one whale’s journey towards freedom.

RESIDENT ORCA calls us to reevaluate our dominion over nature and step up as guardians rather than oppressors. Though tinged with tragedy, Lolita's tale sparks a hopeful vision of the future—one where wildlife is respected and free. With its compelling narrative and emotional depth, Sarah Sharkey Pearce and Simon Schneider invite us to recognize and act upon the critical bonds that sustain life across our planet.

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[photo courtesy of EVERYDAY, CRAVE, OFF THE FENCE]

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