Unlocking the Cage
dir. Chris Hegedus · 2016
Plot
Renowned filmmakers D A Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus follow determined animal rights activist Steven Wise into the courtroom for an unprecedented battle that seeks to utilize the writ of habeas corpus to expand legal “personhood” to include certain animals. Wise’s unusual plaintiffs—chimpanzees Tommy and Kiko, once famed showbiz stars—are now living in filth, struggling to survive. Wise and his impassioned legal team take us into the field, revealing gripping evidence of such abuse and plunging us into the intricacies of their case as they probe preconceived notions of what it means to be a non-human animal.
Why watch
Steven Wise stands resolutely in a courtroom, advocating for the rights of chimpanzees Tommy and Kiko, who have suffered in captivity. The film immerses viewers in the complexities of legal battles that challenge our understanding of personhood, revealing the emotional weight of the animals' plight. Watching it feels like a deep dive into the moral quandaries surrounding animal rights, prompting reflection on the ethical implications of our treatment of non-human beings.