Polar bears are cute; Disney should donate money needed to save them

Just in time for Earth Day, the new Disneynature film, “Polar Bear,” wanders onto Disney+ to welcome viewers to learn, laugh and fall in love with one of Earth’s most precious inhabitants. 

Narrated by Academy Award-nominee Catherine Keener and directed by Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson (Disneynature’s “Penguins”), “Polar Bear” tells the incredible story of a polar bear cub as she grows to adulthood; from traveling by her mother and brother’s side to becoming a mother herself.

Filmed in 2019 near Svalbard, Norway– 650 miles from the North Pole–“Polar Bear” is a stunning spectacle. The way in which the filmmakers capture the piercing white tundra as far as the eye can see. The intimate, detailed look at polar bears and the rest of the arctic life. It is a testament to the sheer capabilities and immense talent of the entire film crew as they seemingly, effortlessly capture and depict what so many of us could only imagine in our wildest of dreams. I implore you–if you have even the slightest interest in this nature documentary–to simply put the film on and allow your eyes to feast upon the profound visuals. I assure you that you will not be disappointed. 

As someone who is abashedly unfamiliar with polar bears (aside from how cute they are), I am happy to say that I walked away from this nature documentary knowing far more than when I first went into it. Learning how polar bears navigate the gravely concerning, ever-shrinking ice flows and seal population (of which the bears depend on for survival), I feel compelled to advocate for well-needed change and to help protect these beautiful creatures at all costs. 

With that being said, it comes as no surprise that the film addresses the alarming vulnerability of the Earth’s ecosystem–especially in relation to polar bears and the arctic tundra they call home–as global warming becomes increasingly apparent. Though the film most certainly does a superb job of drawing attention to these frighteningly ever-so prevalent worries and concerns, it comes off as somewhat jarring and condescending given that this is a film produced by Disney (a multi-billion dollar conglomerate). Surely the Walt Disney Company can contribute far more than any average schmuck out there watching this documentary. No disrespect to the filmmakers and the immense effort they surely put into this beautiful film, but I hate that Disney is associated with such a picture and seemingly does so little to actually make this planet a better place to live.

Putting aside the stark realization that our planet is doomed, there is a plethora of good to take from this documentary. If not for the wondrously vibrant, immersive cinematography and sound design, the film is a bountiful, meditative experience that is sure to put you at soothing ease. Simply sit back, crank up the volume, adjust your HDR settings to get the best picture quality possible and indulge in this visual masterwork in documentary filmmaking. 

Beautifully shot and wholly authentic and sincere, the new Disneynature film, “Polar Bear,” is a carefree delight the whole family can enjoy (albeit nothing groundbreaking). 7 polar bear sniffles out of 10. 

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of The Torch.