Overview
A passionate scientist risks everything to protect the majestic gorillas of Rwanda.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- earnest
- reverent
- intimate
- nature film night
- historical drama evening
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Sigourney Weaver's committed performance and the film's technically accomplished, absorbing gorilla sequences, while finding its portrait of Dian Fossey insufficiently deep.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dian Fossey's research and campaign against the decimation of mountain gorillas drive the narrative.
The film emphasizes Rwanda's mountain habitat and the gorillas' natural environment through technically accomplished location imagery.
Fossey's increasingly all-consuming work with the gorillas supersedes other aspects of her life.
Fossey's study and protection of gorillas repeatedly collide with poachers and those profiting from endangered animals.
Films like Gorillas in the Mist, and why
The Bear
shared biographical drama form, environmental themes, and intimate engagement with animals in the wild
The Last Lion
shared true-life conservation story, wilderness setting, and conflict with poaching and exploitation
A Far Off Place
shared historical biography, morally driven protagonist, and reverent nature-centered atmosphere
The Theory of Everything
shared biographical drama about an obsessive researcher confronting institutions and personal isolation
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Apted
- Release Date
- 1988-09-23
- Runtime
- 129 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (681)
Cast
- Sigourney Weaver
- Bryan Brown
- Julie Harris
- John Omirah Miluwi
- Iain Cuthbertson
- Konstantin Aleksandrov
- Waigwa Wachira
- Iain Glen
- David Lansbury
- Maggie O'Neill
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Gorillas in the Mist about?
- A determined primatologist risks isolation and danger to defend mountain gorillas from poachers in the African wilderness.
- What is Gorillas in the Mist like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Gorillas in the Mist as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Gorillas in the Mist violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Gorillas in the Mist as moderate.
- What did critics think of Gorillas in the Mist?
- Critics broadly praised Sigourney Weaver's committed performance and the film's technically accomplished, absorbing gorilla sequences, while finding its portrait of Dian Fossey insufficiently deep.
- Which films are like Gorillas in the Mist?
- Films with a similar feel include The Bear, The Last Lion, A Far Off Place, and The Theory of Everything.
- How long is Gorillas in the Mist?
- Gorillas in the Mist runs 129 minutes.
- Where can I watch Gorillas in the Mist?
- In United States, Gorillas in the Mist is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
