Dominion

Dominion is a ground-breaking Australian documentary film, released in 2018, directed by Chris Delforce and co-produced by Earthlings director Shaun Monson. This thought-provoking film exposes the dark underbelly of modern animal agriculture through drones and hidden cameras, questioning the morality and validity of humanity's dominance over the animal kingdom.

The film's title, Dominion, is a reference to man's supposed God-given right to exercise dominance over animals and nature. It presents an uncompromising, damning view of the innumerable ethical transgressions embedded within the animal agriculture sectors throughout the world, specifically those in Australia. The documentary creates an atmosphere that both confronts and challenges viewers, making it difficult to ignore the uncertain justification behind humanity's cruel treatment of animals.

Dominion dramatically focuses on different facets of human interaction with animals. It casts a spotlight on various industries including meat, dairy, egg, fur, leather, and even the entertainment industry in an intensely graphic display, aiming to motivate a questioning and reconsideration of these practices. The documentary showcases the grim realities of an industry often veiled behind misleading advertising and marketing strategies like "free-range" and "humane slaughter".

Unflinching in its observations, Dominion uses high-quality drone footage to bring about an emphatic, birds-eye view of hidden proceedings. By doing so, it powerfully magnifies the plight of animals trapped in the cold, mechanical world of exploitative animal industries. Also, the use of undercover cameras puts viewers in a heartbreakingly close proximity to the emaciated, scared creatures that are victims of systemized violence.

The film's disturbing reality is enhanced by powerful narration from renowned celebrities such as Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Sia, Kat Von D, and Sadie Sink. Their voices lend a certain gravitas to the footage, echoing the animal pleas for kindness, freedom, and respect in a way that resonates profoundly with the audience.

While a large portion of the film's focus is explicating the horrors of factory farming, that isn't its sole focus. Other forms of human-animal interaction are scrutinized, like animal testing in laboratories, animals in entertainment such as circuses and sea parks, pets in puppy mills, and wildlife caught in the crosshairs of hunting and fishing. Through these various segments, Dominion is successful in painting a holistic depiction of how deeply embedded animal cruelty is in our contemporary social fabric.

In its entirety, Dominion is perilously heavy and is likely to leave audiences shaken. However, this isn't just sensation-seeking filmmaking; the film is imbued with a deep-seated urgency that seeks to stir viewers into contemplating the true cost of their lifestyle choices. Amidst the unadulterated display of violence and exploitation, there is a plea for compassion and a call to action. Viewers are prompted to question their own complicity in this systemic and sanctioned animal cruelty and consider alternatives that are kinder to animals, healthier for humans, and more benevolent to the earth.

Dominion's strength lies not only in its bold exposé or soul-stirring narrative. A compelling aspect of the documentary is in its invitation to change the narrative ourselves. It advocates the message that the responsibility of making ethical choices rests on the shoulders of the consumer. By choosing plant-based alternatives, supporting cruelty-free enterprises, and raising awareness, each person has the power to effect change and challenge the seemingly unshakeable 'dominion' of humanity over animals.

Overall, Dominion is a deeply affecting, unsettling, and vital documentary that seeks to confront viewers with the uncomfortable truths about our treatment of animals. Its brutal honesty and raw footage will challenge your perspective and possibly shift your stance on animal agriculture. Dominion is far from easy viewing, but it's an essential one for those who seek awareness about where their food and products come from and how they can contribute towards building a more compassionate world.