Speciesism: The Movie

Speciesism: The Movie is a profound and thought-provoking documentary released in 2013, that challenges some of our most basic and deeply ingrained beliefs and perceptions about the animal kingdom and our relationship with it. The film represents the significant concept of 'Speciesism', a term that refers to the assumption of human superiority leading to the exploitation of animals. Directed by Mark Devries, it features interviews with renowned philosophers, scientists, and animal rights activists including Steven Best, Richard Dawkins, and Gary Francione who bring an enriched perspective to the discourse.

The movie begins with the journey of Devries who, just like any average person, had never pondered over the question of animal rights or the ethical implications of eating meat. However, an encounter with an advertisement about “factory farming” quickly turns into an eye-opening exploration that unravels shocking secrets behind modern animal agriculture. This leads Devries to dig deeper, unveiling a world marked with systemic cruelty and systematic exploitation of animals.

Speciesism: The Movie doesn't simply spotlight the animal agriculture industry. It goes a step further in exploring the roots of such practices, hence the phrase 'Speciesism'. It delves into the philosophical musings on the considered superiority of humans over other species. An important voice in this conversation is that of Steven Best, an American scholar and animal rights advocate, who challenges the traditional hierarchy that places humans at the apex, arguing for a more egalitarian approach.

Richard Dawkins, an eminent biologist and outspoken atheist, takes a scientific stance towards the issue. He questions the anthropocentric worldview that relegates non-human animals to lower status, emphasising the continuity of sentient beings on the evolutionary spectrum. This notion, he suggests, calls into question the social norms and sets the stage for an ethically oriented analysis of our interaction with animals.

Gary Francione, a legal scholar, and philosopher, aligns his arguments with animal rights and abolitionist schools of thought. His contributions to the film centre around the rejection of animal use, regardless of the circumstances, calling for complete abolition of animal commodification. Francione's provocative stance urges viewers to re-evaluate and reassess their relationships with animals and reconsider perceivably benign actions like responsible pet ownership and 'humane' animal farming.

The film addresses academics who propagate the concept of 'Speciesism' and examines various facets of the term, exploring its historical roots, cultural implications, inherent bias, and its harmful consequences. By understanding Speciesism, we start glimpsing the implicit biases and prejudices that govern our interactions with animals—shedding a whole new and startling perspective. The movie's narrative becomes an immersive and potent tool in the hands of the director, pointing at the uncomfortable reality and harsh conditions faced by these often voiceless creatures.

Speciesism: The Movie traverses a range of human emotions along its unflinching exploration into the world of animal exploitation. It intersects philosophy, science, anthropology, and ethics to build its arguments, stirring controversy, inciting debate, and prompting introspection. The brilliance of the film lies in its ability to instigate uncomfortable but important conversations about our interactions, responsibilities, and duties towards animals, making it a must-watch for not only animal rights supporters but anyone interested in ethics and philosophy.

Devoid of excessive sentimentality, the documentary balances facts, personal experiences, and expert commentaries, providing a grounded yet impactful narrative. The filmmaking is honest, at times even raw, capturing the stark reality without indulging in overt sensationalism. It's a film about perspective, the one we unconsciously possess and the one we may consciously mold after critical reflection.

Speciesism: The Movie is above all, a vital cultural critique. The film forces viewers to scrutinize their own indoctrinated belief systems, to question the normative practices handed down generations, and to chart a new course towards a more inclusive, ethical, and compassionate world view. This journey into the world of Speciesism is, in many ways, a confronting experience, yet it is also illuminating, journeying you through a world less-known, less-understood, and less-appreciated but often much exploited.