Big Beasts Episode 3 to 4 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.
Big Beasts Episode 3 to 4 Review Contain Spoilers
The two latest episodes – Big Beasts Episode 3 about the Giant Otter and Big Beasts Episode 4 about the Gorilla – released on April 28, each have a runtime almost nearing the half-an-hour mark. Episode 3 was directed and produced by Alice Clarke and edited by Lee Patrick Robinson, episode 4 was directed and produced by Robert Wilcox, and Nick Carline edited it. Big Beasts is a 10-part series with more episodes to be released over 5 weeks.
Big Beasts Episode 3 to 4 Review: Discussion
Since the third episode was similar in its approach towards the giant otter as the previous one was with the elephant seals. However glorious these creatures are, this particular entry was a tedious watch for me. With the aquatic ecosystem and food chain in focus again, though as much as I love the sea and ocean, the next episode about the Gorilla drew my attention more than anything.
The silverback gorilla, Makumba, presented as the jungle king, shared many similarities with a regular human father. From his resounding farts pulling a good laugh out of me to him struggling to find enough food during the dry season and protecting his family, it was easy to relate his image with average human fathers. Then again, from tiny cracking sounds alerting Makumba to him holding on to check whatever danger lurked ahead while time stood still, and so did he, without making a sound, watching him lead his family through the jungle in search of food, finding secret treats hidden in the jungle was a heartening delight.
It almost felt like I was watching Lion King but with a new lens and perspective. As always, the episode wasn’t just restricted to covering a single animal. Others like mandrills, forest elephants and Jaguars also had their share of cameos. Witnessing the largest gathering of primates pour in the case of mandrills as they prepare for the mating season again hinted at a familiar trajectory. Yet another competition ensues between males fighting for dominance and keeping their harems to themselves – much like the huge seals fighting it out in one of the previous entries to assert their role as the patriarchs. And so, one or two showdowns like that made the cut.
However, the best idea imparted by the docuseries is that despite an animal bearing a huge visage and size, it’s almost always threatened by an even more dangerous threat looming in the distance. Be it the 6-foot-long Big Otter that is as big as a human and weighs 70 pounds, Makumba or the grand elephants, they’re constantly in fear of being targeted by another lethal animal.
While some beasts threaten others, there are also instances of two different types coexisting in proximity. There’s a large focus on the ties shared between mothers and their offspring in the series as well, which creates an ample number of opportunities for us to hear Tom Hiddleston saying “mum” time and again, but with the Gorilla episode especially, we’re let into a warm, even if taciturn, dynamic foregrounded by the male gorillas and the steps taken by them to protect their families at all costs.
Final Thoughts
Despite the previous episode featuring more shots around water, the Gorilla episode easily offers a better viewing experience. With a section related to the lives of elephants, the Big Beasts’ narrative again keeps the storytelling minimal. Having recently watched Nat Geo’s Secrets of the Elephants, which took a deep dive into many aspects of their lives, it becomes even easier to draw these comparisons. As mentioned in the previous review of the show, the Apple TV series keeps it bare and only scratches the surface. Its magnificent cinematographic visuals are its biggest highlight and mightier than the information sent to us through these episodes.
The first few episodes of the nature documentary series are now streaming on Apple TV+. Next introduction will be centred around the Hippo and the Brown Bear set to premiere on May 5, 2023.
Also read: Our Previous Reviews of Big Beasts