Secrets of the Neanderthals

This is exactly what you can expect from a documentary on Neanderthals. I see too many reviews saying it should be more precise and less speculative because "science is not speculative." Do you know how hard it is to even determine the sex of old skeletons, let alone anything else? Archaeologists, in most cases, can't say anything with 100% certainty. Of course, it's speculative. Until you know something with complete assurance, you don't truly know.

With all this said, I'm very satisfied with this documentary. I heard about it from someone who called it a "series," and I was excited to watch something longer than this, but nonetheless, it's totally worth watching. The scenery is absolutely amazing.

Netflix's "Secrets of the Neanderthals" isn't exactly breaking new ground in documentary filmmaking. The familiar troupe of talking heads and sweeping nature shots is present. Yet, there's a certain charm to this BBC Studios production, fueled by a genuine fascination with our extinct cousins.

The documentary hinges on a recent excavation at Shanidar Cave in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. We follow a team of archaeologists, led by the enthusiastic Professor Graeme Barker, as they unearth a remarkably well-preserved Neanderthal skeleton - the first of its kind in the region for over 25 years. This discovery forms the narrative spine, allowing the exploration of Neanderthal life through the lens of this individual.

What elevates "Secrets of the Neanderthals" is its focus on debunking outdated stereotypes. Neanderthals are no longer depicted as knuckle-dragging brutes. The film effectively highlights their complex tool use, elaborate burial rituals, and potential capacity for symbolic thought. This revised image is bolstered by impressive CGI reconstructions that breathe life into these ancient humans.

However, the documentary falters slightly in its pacing. The Shanidar Cave excavation, while significant, can feel drawn-out at times. Additionally, some scientific explanations could have benefited from a touch more simplification for a broader audience.

Overall, "Secrets of the Neanderthals" is a solid and informative documentary. It serves as a timely reminder that our understanding of human prehistory is constantly evolving. While not a groundbreaking masterpiece, it's an engaging watch for anyone curious about our enigmatic ancestors.

This one hour and 20 minute long documentary mixes paleoanthropology with speculation, as do most programs of this type.

I very much enjoyed the depictions of Neanderthal caves, habitats and tool construction . But as soon as a scientist says "maybe..." I tune out the rest of their thoughts, because it's going to be speculation with no basis in scientific fact, merely extrapolations leading to one potential explanation (among many) for their findings. That is not science. Since the program wanted to present speculations about Neanderthal behavior, it would've been much better served to offer several alternate explanations for each speculative conclusion.

Sir Patrick Stewart is far too old to be the narrator for this program. His voice is shot, and it really shows. I was kind of embarrassed for him.

It's not heavy with facts, but that's to be expected since hard evidence of Neanderthals is scanty. (Depending how you count, only about a dozen complete skeletons have ever been unearthed.)

It tries hard to give Neanderthals the benefit of the doubt, seeing them as peaceful and intelligent as much as the evidence will allow. We know they had tools and clothes, and we know they gave some attention to burial of the dead. But we have no definite evidence of art (carvings, paintings, necklaces).

What I like best is the re-enactments, including the images of landscapes and coasts. Sir Patrick Stewart sounds tired in his narration, but the gentleness in his voice conjures a simpler time.

Nothing groundbreaking in this movie, but a good respectful treatment of a fascinating topic.

Patrick Stewart is the narrator of this light "documentary", and the posh received pronunciation accent starts to drone quickly. British accents have oversaturated the documentary landscape. I can't abide listening to them for several hours anymore.

I've read that the Scottish accent is the most desirable in terms of call centres, and that is due to its pleasing lilt.

Anyway, aside from the tedious voiceover, there's really nothing much here, and it seems to be a hair and makeup exhibit more than an educational journey into an interesting topic.

And now I shall keep writing until the required character limit is met. Thanks for reading.