2020's 'Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker', cute title by the way and a memorable one, immediately appealed to me prior to watching. Absolutely love nature documentaries (have done ever since seeing 'Planet Earth' and 'The Blue Planet' for the first time when they first aired) and it is always wonderful seeing sea lions, beautiful animals not seen enough in documentaries, and also hearing Sam Neill's beautiful voice that is so perfect for documentaries and has been utilised so well frequently.
'Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker' is definitely well worth watching. While not one of my all time favourite documentaries or one that is ground breaking (naming them would be unfair though due to the approach being very different), 'Sea Lions: Life by a Whisker' is mostly done well. So many things are executed wonderfully and the flaws are not many, while also being reasonably big. If asked whether it is recommended, my answer would most definitely be a yes without a shadow of a doubt, would even go as far to call it a must.
Did feel that it was a little too short and could easily have been 10 minutes longer with so much information covered. Perhaps in fact too much covered and it could have gone into a good deal more depth.
Also found some of the music intrusive and too jarring stylistically, sounding like it was scored for something else intended for a younger audience.
However, it looks absolutely beautiful with some truly stunning shots and great expansive use of the varied location that is both beautiful and unforgiving. Nothing looks cheap or gimmicky, with the 3D being used tastefully. Neill narrates warmly and engagingly, definitely one of those coming closer to listen sort of voices when reading a story. The narration writing itself never sounds too cutesy or melodramatic, and manages to entertain and educate.
The sea lions are as stunning and as varied as the photography and found what is said about them illuminating.
Concluding, good if not great. 7/10.
