Walrus: Life on Thin Ice
A visually striking Arctic wildlife documentary follows a paleontologist uncovering walruses’ hidden lives while confronting the consequences of disappearing sea ice.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- curious
- earnest
- poignant
- educational viewing
- family documentary night
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film alternates between Kirk Johnson's investigation of wild walruses and the rehabilitation of a young orphan at the Alaska Sealife Center.
Shrinking Arctic sea ice is presented as the central threat to walrus survival and future habitat.
The film observes walruses and their frigid Arctic surroundings while following an expedition between Russia and Alaska.
The rescued young walrus provides an intimate individual perspective on the broader threats facing the species.
Films like Walrus: Life on Thin Ice, and why
Aïlo: An Odyssey in Lapland
Shares observational wildlife filmmaking, Arctic environments, and urgent climate change themes.
The Elephant Queen
Combines intimate animal-centered storytelling with conservation concerns and documentary realism.
My Octopus Teacher
Uses charismatic marine wildlife to explore ecological vulnerability and human responsibility.
Movie Details
- Directors
- David Dugan, Alex Tate
- Release Date
- 2025-10-22
- Runtime
- 54 min
- Rating
- 10.0 / 10 (1)
Cast
- Kirk Johnson
Common questions
- What is Walrus: Life on Thin Ice about?
- A visually striking Arctic wildlife documentary follows a paleontologist uncovering walruses’ hidden lives while confronting the consequences of disappearing sea ice.
- What is Walrus: Life on Thin Ice like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Walrus: Life on Thin Ice as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Walrus: Life on Thin Ice violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Walrus: Life on Thin Ice.
- Which films are like Walrus: Life on Thin Ice?
- Films with a similar feel include Aïlo: An Odyssey in Lapland, The Elephant Queen, and My Octopus Teacher.
- How long is Walrus: Life on Thin Ice?
- Walrus: Life on Thin Ice runs 54 minutes.
