joakimsandberg

This was a well-made documentary about a case that really has you spellbound. It takes you through the events and the investigation step by step, offering comments and speculation along the way. What was great about the setup is that every episode gives you more information and so you feel that you are getting closer to the solution. The ending was really interesting and somewhat unexpected. I felt like everything clicked and was explained well, which I thought was great in comparison to all open-ended stories out there. Of course some viewers may feel differently and continue to believe in an alternative explanation, and that is fine too. All in all it was true crime at its best.

This documentary takes you to the heart of the struggle between ivory poachers and rangers in rural Kenya. It gives a close portrait of both sides: following the poacher "X" and his companions as they sneak out with their bows in the wilderness, as well as the ranger Asan (X's cousin) trying to catch poachers and protect the elephants. Both sides have families to maintain and needs to fulfil. Who is to say what is right here - standing up for the elephants at a meager wage, or meeting the market demand for ivory to help your family.

The documentary is beautifully filmed and often extremely intense. The best thing is that it gives you the raw footage straight up, without any commentary or explanation. Instead the expressions on people's faces is enough to tell you what is going on, both in their minds and their difficult situations. It becomes almost impossible to look away.