Name: Life on Our Planet
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2023-10-25T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Morgan Freeman

The opening shot of Life on Our Planet—a photorealistic CGI rendering of a long-extinct creature blinking into existence against a primordial backdrop—sets the stage for this ambitious Netflix docuseries. Executive-produced by Steven Spielberg and narrated by Morgan Freeman, the series aims to chart the evolutionary history of complex life on Earth across billions of years. Yet, despite its grand aspirations, Life on Our Planet stumbles in execution, leaving viewers with a sense of spectacle that often overshadows substance.

The series’ greatest strength lies in its visual effects and cinematography. The photorealistic CGI, reminiscent of the Walking with… series and Prehistoric Planet, is undeniably impressive. Sequences conjured from scratch on a computer are nearly indistinguishable from live-action footage, creating a seamless blend of prehistoric life and modern taxa. The cinematography, too, is stunning, with sweeping shots of natural habitats that highlight the beauty and diversity of life on Earth. The soundtrack complements these visuals perfectly, adding an emotional depth that enhances the viewing experience.

However, the series’ narrative structure and script falter under the weight of its own ambition. Each episode focuses on a specific geologic period, but the transitions between prehistoric life and modern taxa often feel jarring. The script, while informative, occasionally succumbs to hyperbole, treating billions of animals as if they were an army or a sports team enjoying success together. Freeman’s narration, usually a highlight in documentaries, feels somewhat detached here, lacking the warmth and intimacy that made his performances in other projects so memorable.

The series also perpetuates some problematic narratives, such as the myth of inferior and superior clades. Evolution is framed as a war between lifeforms where “higher” organisms emerge victorious, a perspective that oversimplifies the complex and interconnected nature of evolutionary history. This framing not only misrepresents the scientific process but also undermines the series’ educational value.

Despite these shortcomings, Life on Our Planet has its moments of brilliance. The tie-in book written by Fletcher 2023 provides a more detailed and nuanced exploration of the topics covered in the series, offering a deeper dive for those interested in the evolutionary history of life on Earth.

In conclusion, Life on Our Planet is a visually stunning but narratively flawed docuseries. While it excels in its use of CGI and cinematography, its script and structure often feel disjointed and hyperbolic. The series’ problematic framing of evolutionary history further detracts from its educational value.

Tags: Netflix, Morgan Freeman, Life on Our Planet