Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful, heartbreaking, disturbing doc about captive orcas.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
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Where to Watch
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Blackfish
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say that this documentary is a powerful and emotional exploration of the cruelty faced by captive orcas, particularly focusing on a whale named Tilikum. While some found it educational and important for raising awareness about animal welfare, many also noted that it could be very sad and intense, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
- emotional impact
- animal cruelty
- educational value
- viewer discretion
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
BLACKFISH mainly on Tilikum, an orca (or "killer whale") captured as a baby and raised eventually to become a performer at (and a breeder for) SeaWorld. Tilikum's early life consisted of being "raked" (attacked with teeth) by female whales and kept in small, dark pens. Subsequently, several park trainers were attacked, and some killed, notably Dawn Brancheau in 2010, which caused some controversy and investigation. Experts say that whales are clearly intelligent, emotional animals and are probably frustrated and tormented by this treatment. Representatives of SeaWorld refused to be interviewed, and the movie makes SeaWorld look like a company bent on making money over protecting its employees and the well-being of its whales.
Is It Any Good?
Director Gabriela Cowperthwaite packs an incredible amount of information and emotion into the 83-minute documentary. It's probably just as well that SeaWorld representatives declined to be interviewed. As it is, her message comes across clearly and without anger. She does interview several former employees, who seem mortified about having believed the company line and saddened that they took part in this particular treatment of Tilikum and other whales.
We learn about how whales in the wild have never been known to attack humans and how -- despite SeaWorld's claims -- they live much longer there than in captivity. We learn that the whales are extraordinarily intelligent and emotional creatures and how their attacks are possibly based more on frustration than aggression. Overall, Blackfish is brutal -- it shows several attacks and wounds -- and heartbreaking; it conjures up great sympathy for these magnificent, mysterious creatures. You'll never see a whale the same way again.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Blackfish's violence. Could this story have been told as effectively without the blood, attacks, and injuries shown?
Does this movie make a good argument for closing sea parks for good? What could be an argument for keeping them open?
How does Blackfish compare with The Cove, a movie about the mistreatment of dolphins? What makes humans do these sorts of things?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 19, 2013
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2013
- Cast : Jeffrey Ventre , John Hargrove , Samantha Berg
- Director : Gabriela Cowperthwaite
- Studio : Magnolia Pictures
- Genre : Documentary
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mature thematic elements including disturbing and violent images
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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