Malika the Lion Queen
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Malika the Lion Queen
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Malika the Lion Queen is a nature documentary that highlights the role of lionesses in protecting their prides by following the life of a female cub growing up in the South African wild. It features scenes of animals (including cubs) being chased, attacked, and eaten, and lions mourning for their young. While these scenes are offered within context, they may be too intense for younger or more sensitive viewers. There are some interesting details about lion behavior, but references to mating are vague and will fly over children's heads. All of this is offered from a point of view that celebrates female empowerment.
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What's the Story?
Narrated by Angela Bassett, MALIKA THE LION QUEEN is a nature documentary that looks at the life of a lioness living in South Africa's Kruger National Park. Malika is a six-week-year old lioness pup who must get to know her pride and learn how to live in the wild. As she grows, she needs to learn how to feed and fight if she has any chance of keeping her father's bloodline alive. But it isn't easy, and despite the pride's efforts to protect her and her cousins, there are always dangers lurking around. From predatory hyenas looking for a meal to outside lions seeking to eliminate the pride's male leader and its bloodline, Malika grows up knowing that she must be strong and do what she must to survive.
Is It Any Good?
This thoughtful documentary uses anthropomorphism (giving animals human characteristics) to highlight how it is the female, or lioness, that serves as the true leader of a pride. It focuses on how it's the lionesses' job to hunt, collectively take care of the young, and ensure their overall safety. As lions fight for leadership, it reveals how precarious a lioness' place in a pride can be, despite her integral role in it.
Even though this documentary is about lions, the overall story is offered through a feminist lens. It challenges popular misconceptions about the species, as well as the myths perpetuated about them, thanks to media like The Lion King franchise. But Malika the Lion Queen also reveals an interesting look at the natural behaviors of the species, which is guided by instinct, intelligence, and sensitivity. It is a story full of harrowing moments, but one that honors the strength and resilience of the lioness, and how she ensures that her pride will persevere.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the natural behaviors of lions and lionesses in a pride. Why does the species treat lions as leaders, even though it is the lionesses who do most of the work to keep them all alive?
Malika the Lion Queen challenges the common misconception that it is the male, and not the female, that keeps the lion bloodline alive. What role does entertainment and media play in reinforcing this idea? Does the misrepresentation of the male and female role in prides reflect human values in some way?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 4, 2021
- Cast: Angela Bassett
- Network: Fox
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Wild Animals
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: April 17, 2022
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