Netflix’s "Our Planet" Brings Exotic Locations to Your Couch
Need to get out? How about the jungles of Indonesia?
By ERAY OZCAN
Most of us spend our lives looking at the same walls, streets, cars, and people that we have always looked at, something that is true now more than ever. During quarantine, Netflix’s beautiful documentary “Our Planet” does a great job broadening our perception of the world in a time when it can feel so small.
The series, which focuses on the world’s exotic ecosystems, from dry, seemingly empty deserts, to frozen, inhospitable tundras, is aimed mainly at those who are curious about nature and the sciences that hold it together. However, even people who are not necessarily interested in documentaries may get hooked on “Our Planet,” as it does what it wants to do very well. It captures the viewer’s attention, showing the wonders of the world, and then proceeds to amaze by revealing how little we really know about the planet we live on.
The show’s vast selection of settings keeps the audience interested, as each new location has completely different aspects compared to the last. With each habitat, we are introduced to different new and exotic animals. More importantly, we get to see how these animals live, and what they must do to survive.
However, the show has a lot more going for it than diverse content. The narration by David Attenborough is incredible. He speaks very slowly and in a calm manner, which is almost therapeutic. His voice suits the series well as it is soft and relaxing, while at the same time full of enthusiasm when he describes what is happening on screen.
Paired with Attenborough’s soothing voice are the unbelievable visuals. The show’s creators obviously put a lot of time, effort, and money into making the shots of these breathtaking settings look truly extravagant and vivid.
The camera crew exquisitely captures the earth in a variety of ways. From the air, looking down on the land, the viewer can truly appreciate the landscape for what it is and realize the complexity of the planet we live on. From the ground, looking up at the stars, we forget that complexity and realize instead the simplicity of our lives in the scope of a vast universe. This is all presented in such a way that the scenery is elevated beyond anything people usually witness. The angles and the way the cameras move, slowly sweeping through the landscape, really make all the difference, giving the reader a second to appreciate the beauty before them.
As the viewer sucks in “Our Planet”’s gorgeous visuals, their ears are given a treat as well. When not being narrated by Attenborough, the sounds of the animals in their natural habitats grace our living rooms. A variety of different noises from all these different creatures singing their individual songs form a unique, natural orchestra.
What I especially liked about this documentary was its underlying message. Climate change is mentioned throughout the documentary, and we can see how the lives of various animals have changed along with their homes due to humanity’s effect on the earth. While it is not the main focus of the show, and only mentioned once in a while, it makes an impact.
“Our Planet” does exactly what it wants to do, which is to pique the viewer's curiosity about the natural world and introduce them to the parts of it they may not have seen before. It is the perfect way to self-entertain now, during a time when you may not be seeing the outdoors so much.
★★★★★