10 Best Documentary Films On Netflix Right Now
9. Blackfish
One documentary that had a significant commercial as well as social impact, causing waves of controversy in the process, was the 2013 BAFTA Award nominated, Blackfish.
Director, Gabriela Cowperthwaite's film tackles the issue of orcas being kept in captivity and the resulting, fatal consequences of that, specifically following the journey of one such killer whale, Tilikum.
Tilikum, or Tilly, was captured off the coast of Iceland in 1983 and, upon being transferred to the Sealand of the Pacific, is harassed by fellow captive orcas. Arguably, this played a part in Tilikum's aggressive behaviour, along with other factors, leading to the harrowing deaths of three trainers, spanning 19 years.
There has been recurring blacklash upon the documentaries' release, sparking reactions from the likes of musicians, activists, state legislators and SeaWorld trainers themselves. A number of the latter claiming that Cowperthwaite's project was nothing more than "propaganda" and used to "sensationalise" and "exploit a tragedy".
Head on over to Netflix, give Blackfish a watch, and come to your own conclusion.