Quartile rating: 7/10 · 1 rating
Using hidden cameras and never-before-seen footage, Earthlings chronicles the day-to-day practices of the largest industries in the world, all of which rely entirely on animals for profit.
Earthlings is a raw, unflinching documentary that uses hidden-camera footage to expose systemic animal exploitation across industries. Its plot structure—organized by sector (pets, food, clothing, entertainment, science)—is methodical and effective, earning a solid above-average mark. Acting is not applicable in the traditional sense, but the narration by Joaquin Phoenix is measured and sincere, though the film leans heavily on the footage itself rather than craft performances—hence below average as a category. Cinematography is a mixed bag: the hidden-camera footage is necessarily rough, but the editorial juxtaposition is deliberate and powerful. Novelty is its strongest dimension—few films before or since have assembled this breadth of undercover animal industry footage with this level of philosophical framing around speciesism; it remains a singular, landmark document. The ending is emotionally resonant but somewhat expected given the film's arc, landing above average without being exceptional.