A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough Review
Director: James Reed and Callum Webster
Date Created: 2026-04-17 20:22
4.5
A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough Review: This Netflix documentary is directed by James Reed and Callum Webster and features the narration by the renowned David Attenborough. Lasting for around 1 hour and 30 minutes, this film returns to one of the most memorable moments in the history of wildlife documentary making. Through the combination of old footage with modern storytelling, this film examines the descendants of a particular troop of gorillas first discovered decades ago in the country of Rwanda.
A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough Review
Netflix’s A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough had more of an effect on me than watching a show; it was like reading my own memories, which aren’t even mine. It’s extremely personal in the way that Attenborough tells the story, like he’s guiding me through memories that have been stored in him for decades. The emotional connection that I made with this film was what really resonated with me.
The documentary A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough opens with a personal experience where Attenborough first encounters a baby gorilla named Pablo. From here, he broadens his focus to include Pablo’s family and his legacy. What amazed me the most was the perfect way the film jumps back and forth between the past and the present. It is not only the use of old films as a form of nostalgia, but rather to bring meaning to the story being told.
However, what really surprised me was the gripping nature of the “narrative.” It might be a documentary, but the interactions among the gorillas seem very well-crafted, like a script for a movie. There are battles for power, hierarchy changes, displays of affection, and violent outbursts. The emergence of a new silverback as the dominant gorilla, the weakening of the older silverback, and the pain of the young members, it’s all there, and it’s quite moving.
And to be frank, one cannot help but make comparisons to human behaviour as well. Although efforts may be made not to anthropomorphise them, it is difficult to disregard their expressions. Grief, affection, and jealousy displayed by these animals somehow seem very much like those of human beings. One specific scene where they engage in conflict and loss affected me in a profound way.
On the other hand, the documentary film A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough never strays from its greater objective. Despite all the excitement and action, it remains rooted in the notion of preservation and optimism. The idea that these creatures, who were once at risk of becoming extinct, are now thriving and evolving provides a subtle celebration for the viewers to appreciate. The film does not become preachy; it simply allows one to understand why this is happening.
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Visually, the film is spectacular. The filming draws you into the very core of the forest and makes you feel as if you are only a few feet away from the creatures. There is a tenderness to how some scenes have been filmed that greatly contributes to the entire experience.
The emotional aspect of this documentary is powerful in many ways, particularly because of Attenborough. It is almost impossible not to be deeply moved listening to him speak about these events when you consider the age at which he speaks. Talking about Pablo, one does not get the feeling that it is a narration but more of a recollection.
Some of the most effective sequences within the film come in the form of Attenborough’s recollection of notes that he had previously taken, reflecting upon them, and realising the passing of time. This gives the documentary a more humanistic edge and raises its level of importance beyond that of just another nature film.
Netflix A Gorilla Story: Told By David Attenborough Review: Summing Up
In all, A Gorilla Story: As told by David Attenborough can be considered a great documentary film that combines information with emotion successfully. All this strength, hardship, affection, everything sounds very familiar. Maybe that’s the reason why the film is so successful. Not only does it provide viewers with information, but it also connects them with nature.
