63
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Screen DailyAnthony KaufmanScreen DailyAnthony KaufmanIt’s a classic underdog story, effective for its engaging chronicle of outsiders trying to change the system.
- 75RogerEbert.comGodfrey CheshireRogerEbert.comGodfrey CheshireThe film will surely have its own role to play in the arena that perhaps counts most: the court of public opinion.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterDuane ByrgeThe Hollywood ReporterDuane ByrgeUnlocking the Cage makes its case for reevaluation of non-human animals' legal status in crisp, convincing fashion.
- 70The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottPart courtroom drama, part rumination on what separates human beings from other animals, the film is above all a sympathetic portrait of an advocate.
- 67The Film StageDaniel SchindelThe Film StageDaniel SchindelThis film is especially good at making courtroom scenes engaging, where many would hurry through the choicest soundbites before moving on to the next part.
- 58The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloIn short, this is yet another doc that would make a first-rate book or lengthy article, gaining almost nothing from its chosen medium apart from (maybe) greater exposure. There’s no legitimate taxonomic reason for this material to be designated a film.
- 50Slant MagazineClayton DillardSlant MagazineClayton DillardThe problem here isn't necessarily the tension between emotion and rationality, but that the doc does little to explore these dimensions as they arise.
- 50IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichQhile the 90-year-old Pennebaker doesn't appear to deviate from the observational aesthetic that has defined his life's work, Unlocking the Cage is nevertheless an ill-fitting first for he and his partner: an issue-based film.
- 50VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeWise is plenty eloquent on the complex legal issue, but remains vague about how the status he seeks will practically impact animals (could animal weddings be far behind?) or why he’s the “person” best qualified to represent them in court.
- 50New York PostFarran Smith NehmeNew York PostFarran Smith NehmeThe film is impeccably shot and paced, but the radical real-world implications of Wise’s agenda are never fully explored.