Documentary Review: ‘Escape from Extinction: Rewilding’ – our roles in saving the planet.

“Escape from Extinction: Rewilding” is a powerful sequel to American Humane’s 2020 award-winning documentary “Escape from Extinction“.

This documentary film is directed by Matthew R. Brady and introduces viewers to the concept of ‘rewilding’. This is a revolutionary conservation method with the potential to revive ecosystems and save hundreds of thousands of species from extinction.

The documentary film is narrated in an endearing and compassionate voice by Meryl Streep, and follows conservation efforts across the globe, showcasing the tireless work of wildlife protectors to restore nature’s balance.

From the very beginning, the film wastes no time in reminding us of the damage we’ve done to the planet. As one of the talking head subjects poignantly puts it; “We have done so much harm to nature, and if nature is not healthy, we will not be surviving this.” This stark reminder sets the stage for the urgent message woven throughout the film: the Earth is in crisis, and we must act now to save our environment from collapsing.

Meryl Streep‘s compassionate and endearing narration elevates the film’s emotional depth. She asks the kind of hard-hitting, reflective questions that are sure to linger on your mind long after the credits roll. “Where is our point of no return? How close are we to it? I find myself asking these questions even as I write this review.

The film is unafraid to confront the grim reality that we are losing approximately one million species each year, with insufficient efforts being made to halt this tragic decline. There are a series of talking-head interviews with leading conservationists, who the film describes as an “international army of wildlife protectors.” These experts share with us their efforts, the challenges they are facing and the progress that they have made over time.

What’s striking is how this film emphasizes that, as humans, we are the only species capable of either fixing the planet or further destroying it. The responsibility is undeniably ours.

A notable portion of the documentary focuses on Rwanda, a country that has miraculously rebuilt its ecosystems and economy after the devastating genocide of 1994. Akagera National Park, once shrunk by conflict, has become a symbol of hope through successful rewilding and conservation efforts. The film powerfully demonstrates how wildlife restoration and human well-being are interconnected, highlighting projects that generate income for local communities, thereby reducing harmful activities like poaching or deforestation.

Throughout the film, we see examples of rewilding initiatives happening across the globe, underscoring that wildlife cannot thrive without healthy ecosystems. From Africa to the California coast, these efforts reflect that it is truly not about slogans but rather solutions and putting science over special interests.

The visuals in the documentary are bright and colourful as if to intentionally remind us of how beautiful this earth is that we are destroying it even by being indifferent in efforts of trying to save it. The success of the concerted rewilding efforts is also shown in this film. You are not just told about it, you are shown it and it is beautiful and instils in you a spirit of hope and conviction that we can indeed save this planet before it is too late.

Whether or not you’ve seen the 2020 prequel, this documentary stands strong on its own. It’s a call to action, urging us to consider rewilding as a critical component in saving our planet. It’s a must-watch for anyone who cares about the future of Earth.

I would score this film 4.5 out of 5 stars.  We all have a role to play in conservation and after watching this film, it’s hard not to feel that sense of urgency.