Blue Planet II Review: A Deep, Moving Ocean Epic
9/10 — Blue Planet II (2017)
Pros
- Stunning marine footage
- Powerful conservation message
- Great score
Cons
- Dramatised approach
David Attenborough returns for seven episodes exploring the oceans, from the coast to the deep sea. The series used new submersibles and camera technology to reach places never filmed.
What works
The footage is astonishing, including a giant trevally leaping out of the water to catch a bird and bizarre creatures of the deep. The final episode’s look at plastic pollution created a real public conversation, and Hans Zimmer’s score adds drama.
Where it falters
Some viewers found the closing message heavy-handed, and the series leans on cinematic storytelling over science.
Verdict
A breathtaking, thoughtful nature documentary.
