Dolphin Reef – A Solid Nature Documentary (Early Review)

During a time like this, we need all the distractions we can get so why not take a chance with Disneynature’s newest documentary coming to Disney+. Dolphin Reef (formally known as Dolphins). In terms of nature documentaries, this one is pretty standard fare as it takes audiences to the oceans with some truly breathtaking footage. Featuring Natalie Portman as a narrator, she keeps the film somewhat engaging throughout its relatively short running time, clocking in at 77 minutes. Over the course of the film, she tells the story of a young bottlenose dolphin named Echo who is forced to finally grow up as well as the coral reef for which its family and its various cast of other eccentric habitants all live. While the film still has its fair share of moments that will surely grab audiences, there arguably isn’t enough of them to sustain itself as the narrative jumps between several of the reef occupants.

As mentioned, the camerawork on display in Dolphin Reef was truly breathtaking to behold, with beautiful shots of above and below the surface. The reef and the ocean bottom was both colorful and full of life as the film clearly explains how everything works together in order for the reef to survive while also demonstrating what could happen (and also what has been happening) if that cycle is not maintained or disturbed in any way. This was unfortunately a small part of the film as a whole as it focuses on telling stories about the inhabitants in an incohesive way. Its short running time certainly didn’t do it any favors as it only inhibits its ambition, seemingly trying to do something bigger. While some nature documentaries highlight the darker sides of nature (and this one was no different), this film certainly holds back (it’s Disney after all) but despite that, younger audiences should still be careful.

Meanwhile, Portman’s voice definitely makes anything better though this can only go so far, As far as documentary narration is concerned, she was engaging though the material wasn’t always the greatest. Portman brought some life and personality to the film but not in an obnoxious way. While the balance between serious and fun was there, it was a shame that we couldn’t get more of it as she clearly cares about this subject matter.

In the end, Dolphin Reef won’t exactly set the world on fire but is still a solid and beautiful documentary that works as a nice distraction, even if it’s for just over an hour.

still courtesy of Disney

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.