Blackfish

Not since Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man has a documentary about humans and their relationships with large beasts been this harrowing and compelling. Blackfish takes us into the SeaWorld industry, where orcas are the company’s bread and butter. But they’re not always like the cuddly, plush toys in SeaWorld’s gift shops. This doc centers on the 2010 fatal accident at SeaWorld Orlando, in which a trainer was mauled by Tilikum, a 12,000-pound killer whale who had been involved in two previous deaths over the past 20 years. Ex-SeaWorld trainers, scientists and lawyers are interviewed about the company’s questionable policies, and there’s almost a sinister use of dazzling SeaWorld commercials juxtaposed with some outright shocking footage. It’s one part horror movie, one part reminder that there’s a price to be paid when it comes to placing animals in captivity. It’s also one of the best films of the year.