✅ “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey (2025)” is a profoundly moving and visually stunning documentary from the acclaimed director Pippa Ehrlich, known for “My Octopus Teacher.” This film takes audiences on an extraordinary true story of connection and conservation, following the journey of a rescued baby pangolin named Kulu and the dedicated man, Gareth Thomas, committed to returning her to the wild. It’s a powerful call to action, highlighting the plight of the world’s most trafficked mammal through intimate storytelling and breathtaking wildlife cinematography.

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7.1/10

Pangolin: Kulu's Journey

Director: Pippa Ehrlich

Writer: N/A

Stars: N/A

Plot: A man discovers purpose helping rescue a trafficked baby pangolin in South Africa. He dedicates himself to rehabilitating the endangered animal for release into the wild, in this film from My Octopus Teacher's director.

Countries: United Kingdom

Languages: English

IMDb: View on IMDb

Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey (2025) – Documentary Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix

Movie Details 

• Full Name: Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey (2025)
• Language: English
• Budget: Not Publicly Disclosed (Netflix Original Production)
• Revenue: Not Publicly Disclosed (Netflix Exclusive)
• Runtime: Approximately 90 minutes (1 Hour 30 Minutes)
• Release Date: April 21, 2025 (Netflix)
• Genres: Documentary, Nature, Wildlife, Conservation
• Featured Individuals: Gareth Thomas, Kulu (the pangolin)
• Director: Pippa Ehrlich
• Screenplay: Not Applicable (Documentary Narrative)
• Studios & Producers: Sea Change Project, Lapalala Wilderness (Distributed by Netflix)
• Voice Cast: Not Applicable
• Animation & Style: Not Applicable (Live-action Documentary)

OFFICIAL IMAGES

Plot Summary

“Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” offers an intimate and heart-wrenching look into the world of pangolins, the most illegally trafficked mammal on Earth. The documentary centers on the remarkable true story of a tiny, scaly survivor named Kulu, a baby pangolin rescued from the clutches of the brutal illegal wildlife trade in South Africa. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Gareth Thomas, a former investment manager who unexpectedly finds a new purpose in life by becoming Kulu’s devoted caretaker. The film meticulously chronicles Kulu’s rehabilitation journey, from her fragile beginnings, overcoming the trauma of captivity, to the painstaking efforts required to prepare her for a perilous return to the wild. This deeply personal story highlights the unique bond that forms between Gareth and Kulu, showcasing the immense dedication and emotional toll involved in wildlife conservation. Beyond Kulu’s individual struggle, the documentary broadens its scope to illuminate the devastating global crisis facing all eight species of pangolins, threatened by poaching for their scales and meat due to unfounded traditional beliefs and demand in illegal markets. “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” is more than just a tale of rescue; it is a poignant exploration of empathy, resilience, and the urgent need for human intervention to protect these ancient, elusive creatures. It serves as a powerful call to action, urging global audiences to reconsider their relationship with nature and to safeguard the world’s most vulnerable species, demonstrating how one individual’s compassion can make a profound difference.

Cast & Crew

The heart of “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” lies in its compelling subjects and the dedicated crew behind the camera. The central “characters” are Kulu, the incredibly resilient baby pangolin, and Gareth Thomas, the South African conservationist who becomes her devoted guardian. Thomas’s journey from an investment manager to a full-time wildlife rehabilitator is a testament to the profound impact a single animal can have. His patience, empathy, and unwavering commitment form the emotional core of the narrative. The film is helmed by Pippa Ehrlich, the Academy Award-winning co-director of “My Octopus Teacher,” whose distinctive approach to intimate human-animal storytelling is evident throughout. Her direction ensures that Kulu’s story is both scientifically informative and deeply personal. The stunning cinematography, captured by Gareth Thomas himself along with Warren Smart and Steven Dover, brings the hidden world of pangolins and the beauty of the South African wilderness to life. Their patient and immersive camera work allows viewers to witness Kulu’s delicate behaviors and the vast landscapes she inhabits. The narrative is shaped by the skillful editing of Daniel Schwalm, which weaves together Kulu’s journey, Gareth’s dedication, and the broader message of conservation into a cohesive and emotionally resonant film. The film is a collaboration between Sea Change Project and Lapalala Wilderness, ensuring an authentic and deeply informed portrayal of conservation efforts.

Critical & Audience Response

Upon its release on Netflix in April 2025, “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” garnered widespread critical acclaim, drawing immediate comparisons to Pippa Ehrlich’s previous Oscar-winning work, “My Octopus Teacher.” Critics lauded the documentary for its intimate and emotionally resonant storytelling, praising its ability to connect viewers deeply with Kulu, the baby pangolin, and Gareth Thomas, her human guardian. The breathtaking cinematography, capturing both the delicate details of Kulu’s behavior and the expansive beauty of the South African wilderness, was a consistent highlight. Reviewers commended the film for raising crucial awareness about the severe plight of pangolins—the world’s most trafficked mammal—without resorting to overly didactic or preachy tones. Instead, the narrative’s power lies in its personal approach, fostering empathy and a call to action through genuine connection. Some critics noted that while the film might occasionally lean into sentimentality, its heartfelt message and stunning visuals ultimately triumph. Audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers expressing profound emotional connection to Kulu’s story and a newfound appreciation for pangolins. The documentary’s ability to combine scientific insight with a deeply human element has resonated widely, making it a compelling and vital watch for animal lovers and conservation advocates alike. It is recognized as an inspiring and essential contribution to wildlife documentary filmmaking.

Direction & Cinematography

Pippa Ehrlich’s direction in “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” is a masterclass in empathetic and immersive documentary filmmaking. Building on the success of “My Octopus Teacher,” Ehrlich once again crafts a narrative that is deeply personal, allowing the audience to forge an emotional connection with Kulu and Gareth Thomas. Her approach is characterized by patience, observation, and a profound respect for the natural world. She skillfully structures the film to highlight Kulu’s growth and the challenges of her rehabilitation, while subtly weaving in the larger, urgent message of pangolin conservation. Ehrlich’s ability to find universal themes of connection, resilience, and purpose within a wildlife story is a hallmark of her direction. The cinematography, a collective effort by Gareth Thomas, Warren Smart, and Steven Dover, is simply stunning. Their camera work is both intimate and expansive, capturing Kulu’s intricate movements and unique behaviors with incredible detail, often from a low perspective that brings viewers into her world. The visuals of the South African landscape, from lush forests to rugged terrain, are breathtaking and serve as a poignant backdrop to Kulu’s journey. The use of natural light and patient framing creates an authentic and immersive experience, making the audience feel as though they are witnessing these precious moments firsthand. This combination of thoughtful direction and exquisite cinematography makes “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” a visually captivating and emotionally powerful film.

Music & Background Score

The music and background score for “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey,” composed by Anne Nikitin, play a vital role in enhancing the documentary’s emotional impact and atmospheric quality. Nikitin’s score is subtly evocative, designed to complement the visuals without overwhelming them. It beautifully underscores the delicate nature of Kulu’s journey, the challenges faced by conservationists, and the profound connection between Kulu and Gareth Thomas. The music often employs gentle, ethereal melodies that convey the wonder and fragility of wildlife, building to more poignant or suspenseful arrangements during moments of peril or triumph. Elements of the score incorporate a blend of orchestral and perhaps subtle indigenous sounds, creating a soundscape that feels both universal and deeply rooted in the South African setting. Importantly, the music allows for moments of quiet observation, letting the natural sounds and visuals speak for themselves, before gently guiding the viewer through emotional arcs. Anne Nikitin’s score is a sensitive and powerful contribution, deepening the audience’s engagement with Kulu’s story and reinforcing the film’s message of hope and urgency for conservation.

Visuals & Special Effects

As a nature documentary, “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” relies heavily on its stunning visuals and a deep understanding of natural behaviors rather than traditional special effects. The film’s visual strength comes from its exceptional wildlife cinematography, which captures Kulu’s life with breathtaking clarity and intimacy. The camera work meticulously documents her unique movements, foraging habits, and interactions, allowing viewers to observe a species that is rarely seen up close. The visuals transport the audience directly into the diverse South African environments, from dense bushlands to open savannas, showcasing the natural habitat that conservationists strive to protect. The filmmakers employ techniques that ensure the natural world is presented authentically, using long lenses and patient observation to minimize intrusion. Any “effects” are primarily seamless transitions, time-lapses, or slow-motion shots that highlight the beauty and vulnerability of Kulu and her surroundings. The focus is on capturing genuine moments, showcasing the intricate details of Kulu’s scales, her agile tongue, and her curious demeanor. This commitment to raw, unfiltered visual storytelling underscores the film’s message and creates a powerful, immersive experience that fosters a deep appreciation for pangolins and their world.

Editing & Screenplay

The editing by Daniel Schwalm for “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” is instrumental in crafting a coherent and emotionally compelling narrative from extensive documentary footage. Schwalm skillfully weaves together Kulu’s day-to-day life, Gareth Thomas’s personal journey, and the broader context of pangolin conservation. The pacing is deliberate, allowing moments of quiet observation to breathe, while building suspense and emotional impact during critical events in Kulu’s rehabilitation. The editing ensures a smooth flow, guiding the audience through the scientific aspects of pangolin care and the emotional development of the human-animal bond. In a documentary, the “screenplay” is essentially the narrative structure crafted by the filmmakers, and in this regard, Director Pippa Ehrlich and her team excel. The story is told with a clear purpose, focusing on Kulu’s individual story as a microcosm for the global pangolin crisis. The narrative is both informative and deeply personal, avoiding a dry, academic tone by foregrounding the emotional connection and the real-world efforts of conservationists. The “script” effectively balances moments of wonder and beauty with the harsh realities of illegal wildlife trade, creating a powerful call to action that resonates deeply with viewers. This thoughtful editing and narrative construction are key to the documentary’s success in engaging audiences and raising awareness for a critical cause.

Positives / What Works

“Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” excels on multiple fronts, making it a standout nature documentary. Its most striking positive is the exceptionally intimate and heartwarming human-animal bond between Gareth Thomas and the baby pangolin, Kulu. This connection forms the emotional core, drawing viewers deeply into the narrative. Pippa Ehrlich’s masterful direction, echoing her work on “My Octopus Teacher,” ensures the storytelling is profoundly personal, empathetic, and engaging. The breathtaking and patient cinematography immerses the audience in the pangolin’s world and the stunning South African landscape, capturing incredibly rare and detailed footage of these elusive creatures. The film serves as a powerful and much-needed platform for raising awareness about the critical plight of pangolins, the most trafficked mammal globally. It educates without being preachy, inspiring action through emotional connection rather than just facts. The overall production quality, from the evocative musical score to the seamless editing, contributes to a truly immersive and moving experience. It is a testament to the dedication of conservationists and the resilience of nature.

Negatives / What Doesn’t Work

While “Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” is largely praised, a few minor criticisms or points of contention could be considered, typical for documentaries of this nature. Some viewers might find the film’s highly emotional and sentimental approach to be occasionally manipulative, as it relies heavily on the human-animal bond to convey its message, potentially overshadowing some of the broader, more complex conservation challenges. While the film highlights the illegal wildlife trade, it doesn’t delve into the systemic, political, or economic complexities of poaching and trafficking with the same depth as it does Kulu’s personal story. This might lead some to feel it offers a more personal, rather than comprehensive, view of the crisis. Additionally, for audiences who prefer a more fast-paced or action-oriented documentary, the patient and observational style, while beautiful, might feel slow at times. However, these are often subjective preferences and do not significantly detract from the film’s overall power and importance.

Final Verdict / Conclusion

“Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey” is an exceptional and deeply affecting documentary that reaffirms Pippa Ehrlich’s status as a master of human-animal narratives. Through the heartwarming and often perilous story of Kulu, the baby pangolin, and her dedicated caretaker Gareth Thomas, the film creates a powerful emotional connection that transcends the screen. It is a stunning visual experience, showcasing the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world, while simultaneously serving as a crucial and urgent call to action against the illegal wildlife trade that threatens pangolins with extinction. While its focus is intimately personal, its message resonates globally, inspiring empathy and a desire for conservation. This documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in wildlife, environmental issues, or simply a beautifully told story of connection and hope. It stands as a moving testament to the resilience of nature and the profound impact of dedicated individuals.

Movie Rating

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