Sir David Attenborough's latest documentary, 'A Gorilla Story', has been declared Netflix's top documentary, receiving widespread critical acclaim since its release on April 17. The film revisits the iconic moment from the 1970s when a baby gorilla named Pablo leaped onto Attenborough during filming in Rwanda's Virunga Mountains.
The Guardian awarded the documentary a five-star review, describing it as 'overcome with awe' and praising its portrayal of 'violence, power struggles, grief; this is the stuff of high drama'. Esquire called it the 'most gripping documentary of the year', highlighting the unforgettable footage of Attenborough's encounter with Pablo.
Audiences have also been effusive, with one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer noting, 'Photography is amazing', while another said Attenborough's storytelling 'made my chest heavy like none before'. The documentary follows the descendants of Pablo and charts the species' thriving population 50 years on.
Attenborough, who turns 100 next month, admitted in the film that he felt a 'deep connection' to gorillas, saying they fill him with 'an overwhelming sense of wonder and fear'. He recalled the unexpected encounter, stating he had to 'just sit back and let it happen'. 'A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough' is streaming now on Netflix.
