Is Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People (2016), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary, TV Movie. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Documentary telling the extraordinary story of Koko, the only 'talking' gorilla in the world, and her lifelong relationship with Penny Patterson. Project Koko started as a PhD project to teach sign language to a baby gorilla, but as Koko began to communicate with Penny, an intense bond formed between them. Penny has now been with Koko for over 40 years and claims Koko can reveal fresh insights into the workings of an animal's mind. Koko's unique life with Penny has been filmed every step of the way. Over 2,000 hours of footage chart the most dramatic moments - Penny's battle to keep Koko from being taken back to the zoo in which she was born, Penny's clash with academic critics who doubted her claims and the image of Koko mourning the death of her kitten."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Bertie Carvel shines in a role that demands both nuance and gravitas, elevating the material significantly. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 2016, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Koko: The Gorilla Who Talks to People is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 58 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.