Poached

Poached is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary film that was released in 2015. Directed by Timothy Wheeler, the film immerses audiences into the underground world of illegal bird egg collecting, offering an intense and unexpected journey into the obsession of acquiring these precious objects of nature.

The film primarily follows two convicted UK egg collectors, and their compulsive desire to possess something so beautiful and delicate. It shines a light on the highly secretive and shadowed world of bird egg collecting, a pursuit that is not only illegal but also culturally reviled. Set against the backdrop of the British countryside, this cultural phenomenon is given life as it encapsulates both the inherent love for nature and the disturbing lengths that some may go to satisfy their obsession.

Poached provides detailed accounts of these tattooed collectors, who risk fines and imprisonment for their fervent passion. They venture with camouflage and climbing equipment on dark, moonlit nights into the wilderness, pursuing rare bird species. The film provides an intimate perspective on their determination, madness, and dedication, showing viewers the obsessive compulsion that drives some individuals to pursue the splendid beauty encapsulated in an eggshell.

Director Timothy Wheeler delves deep into their minds, unraveling the layers of obsession and attempting to decipher the motivating triggers that lead these men to repeatedly defy societal norms and legal consequences. Moreover, the film features interviews with ornithology experts, convicted egg collectors, and members of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These contrasting insights elevate the narrative beyond one-sided judgement, inviting viewers to explore the complexities of the human psyche and its sometimes irrational drives.

Poached also places strong emphasis on both the moral and environmental consequences of egg collecting. Showing how these actions disrupt delicate ecosystems and threaten endangered species. The film succeeds in generating dialogue around conservation efforts, preservation, and the ethical boundaries humans cross in their pursuit of passion and obsession.

Poached wonderfully combines elements of true crime, wildlife filmography, and psychological study to cast light on a lesser-known aspect of bird preservation efforts. It delivers unique footage, capturing both the allure of birdwatching and the grim reality of egg collecting. The captivating cinematography takes viewers on a thrilling journey beside the collectors, and into their nerve-wracking covert operations.

What sets Poached apart is its ability to showcase a complex issue without simplifying or demonizing either side. Facts and emotional narratives are well-balanced to provide an objective exploration into the motivations behind this obsessive and illegal pursuit. While it provokes an emotional response to the destruction caused, the film also empathizes with the collectors, treating them as characters in a psychological drama. At its core, it is as much about humanity, obsession, and the nuanced reasons behind actions, as it is about bird egg collecting.

In exploring this obscure phenomenon, Poached also presents an insightful reflection on the nature of obsession itself. While the focus lies on the eccentric subculture of bird egg collecting, the film simultaneously examines the general human tendency towards fixation and the lengths individuals go to satisfy those fixations.

Wheeler does not shy away from the moral and ethical questions that this type of collecting elicits. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are encouraged to ponder on the broader implications of this clandestine passion. It spotlights the paradox between the love for birds and nature that these collectors express, and the damage they inflict upon it.

In essence, Poached encapsulates the paradoxical plight of mankind's desire to possess beauty, even when it means destroying it. This gut-wrenching, suspenseful, and equally informative documentary is more than just an expose of illicit egg collectors. It provides a mirror to society, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths and challenge their perceptions of right and wrong. This captivating film is compelling viewing for those interested in wildlife, conservation, psychology, or those simply intrigued by the study of human behavior and its consequences.