Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A pufferfish learns to survive in eco-friendly docu.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Puff: Wonders of the Reef
What's the Story?
PUFF: WONDERS OF THE REEF details a pufferfish's coming-of-age journey and survival in Australia's Great Barrier Reef region. The documentary also looks at the ecological evolution of coral reefs, which serve as marine life metropolises, and the need for their preservation.
Is It Any Good?
Cinematographer Pete West's colorful coral reefs and their inhabitants make a breathtaking splash in this spectacular documentary. "Life on the reef is dependent on thousands of creatures working together each with a vital role to play," notes Rose Byrne in Puff: Wonders of the Reef. The narrator also points out the possible dangers there. Coral resident Puff, an orphan pufferfish en route to a forever home, also relies on reefs as "out of sight and off the menu" hideaways from prey. Adds Byrne, "Unless we change the way we do things in our world, Puff's world will cease to exist."
As educational cinema at its best, Puff: Wonders of the Reef presents the prospect for engaging conversations with kids about ocean conservation and the seldom-seen world of coral reefs as cities of the sea.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the pufferfish overcomes obstacles. How do animals like the pufferfish show perseverance in their lives? How does that compare to the ways that humans persevere?
In what ways are coral reefs important to marine life and people? Why should they be protected and preserved?
What types of species live in and around coral reefs? Why do some sea creatures prey on others? Where could you go to learn more?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 16, 2021
- Cast : Rose Byrne
- Director : Nick Robinson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 62 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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