Big Beasts Episode 1 to 2 Review: Narrated by the Emmy-nominated actor, also known for his otherwise mischievous escapades as Loki in the MCU, Tom Hiddleston introduces different giant creatures living in the wild in each episode of this nature documentary series. Tom Hugh-Jones, Martha Holmes, and Grant Mansfield join in the crew as executive producers of the epic wildlife series, with music by Ruth Barrett.
The first two episodes, releasing on April 21, deal with the Grey Whale and the Elephant Seal respectively, each of their runtime almost nearing the half-an-hour mark. Big Beasts will be a 10-part series, with more episodes coming out over the period of 5 weeks.
-Big Beasts Episode 1 to 2 Review Contains Mild Spoilers-
Big Beasts Episode 1 to 2 Review: Discussion
With every episode focussed on a particular gigantic creature in the wildlife, the first of them (produced and directed by David John and edited by Stephanie Watkins) all takes us on the “epic undertaking” of the “greatest migration of any mammal on the planet” with a grey whale and her calf. Having to traverse the Pacific waters, the mother whale provides for her calf as much as possible while starving herself in the process through this journey to find food. This entry episode into the series is not merely limited to the journey undertaken by the small whale family, it also brings to life other gigantic heroes that share the same aquatic ecosystem as the grey whale.
Killer whales, aka Orcas, the world’s largest algae – the Giant Kelp, and the ultimate magnificence of the Giant Pacific Octopuses is laid bare with the latter most assuming the screen time as the second main protagonist other than the grey whale. While the grey whale is shown through the journey to be fending for her calf, the octopus, otherwise known as the “legendary sea monster” taps into our emotional side as she lays her hundred thousand eggs and makes the ultimate sacrifice.
Episode 2, on the other hand, has been produced and directed by David Johnson and Eva Spielvogel and edited by Will Brown. It marks the return of the old 4-ton elephant seal on its turf, when he realises that a rival seems to have overtaken him in hierarchy. The second episode especially invites some comedy as Hiddleston spells out this cry for competition. Eventually, a majestic and epic battle for control breaks out between the two seals, which sparks the fiercest action moves in this episode.
Hiddleston’s narration mostly had a calming effect on me, just like that of a lullaby. However, this is not to be taken in the negative sense of the statement. The storylines of each of the creature’s existence are quite surficial in their approach. Not many fact bombs are left for us to unravel, rather the camera pays more heed to their physical actions and movements through it all. The first two episodes are steered by the aquatic life cycle, therefore, the visuals so delivered in the process, even if they’re as still as water sometimes, convey sublimity that can’t be captured in words. The same goes for the physicality of these creatures’ lifestyle.
You can’t look away from the way the Giant Pacific Octopus leaps on to its prey in the first episode. It again reminds you that it’s all in fact a cycle, and ‘survival of the fittest’ is definitely a motto these animals live by. However, it also goes on to showcase their persistence and resilience, much like Hiddleston’s opening delivery sums up that being a large animal is no easy feat, rather it ups the stakes even more.
Final Thoughts
While the Apple TV documentary series is not as detailed and meticulous with its announcement of the lives of these mesmerising creatures, it keeps it simple and still compels us to hang on and witness the bountiful nature in its element. Hiddleston’s commentary through it all puts up an emotional mirror to their lives and how they have to struggle equally to keep going on. Even though their grand size may strike us and even intimidate us, it equally intimidates their existence, but life goes on and these creatures here constantly emphasise on that issue.
The first two episodes of the nature documentary series are now streaming on Apple TV+. Next introduction will be centred around the Giant Otter set to premiere on April 28, 2023.
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