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Sentient

Play trailer Sentient 2026 1h 46m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 7 Reviews Popcornmeter 0 Ratings
A thought-provoking exploration into the world of laboratory research on animals examined through the vulnerable confessions and complex emotions of scientific experts on both sides of the debate. Following the story of Dr. Lisa Jones Engel, a primatologist turned animal welfare advocate, it asks 'Can we still justify animal testing in the name of science?'

Critics Reviews

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Robert Daniels RogerEbert.com 1d
Jones’ inability to find a stable middle ground blanches the purity of his intentions, reducing his film’s potent message into an overwrought screed. Go to Full Review
Therese Lacson Collider 1d
4/10
It's a difficult watch because it treats the viewer like a simpleton and silently condemns anyone who believes that we are already at a point where all animal testing can end completely. Go to Full Review
Joey Magidson Awards Radar 4d
3/4
Sentient looks at the ethical debate on animal testing. Go to Full Review
Carla Renata The Curvy Film Critic 5d
Director Tony Jones attempts an magnanimous feat presenting every angle swirling around the very controversial of experimental animal testing and succeeds in spades. Go to Full Review
Sara Clements Next Best Picture 6d
7/10
The film’s real strength lies in its refusal to point fingers, instead offering a heartfelt look at the heavy emotional toll this work takes on both the animals and the people who care for them. Go to Full Review
Brian Farvour The Playlist 6d
A+
In the best possible way, director Tony Jones has created the documentary version of a car crash; you don’t want to look, but you can’t bring yourself to look away. Go to Full Review
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Movie Info

Synopsis A thought-provoking exploration into the world of laboratory research on animals examined through the vulnerable confessions and complex emotions of scientific experts on both sides of the debate. Following the story of Dr. Lisa Jones Engel, a primatologist turned animal welfare advocate, it asks 'Can we still justify animal testing in the name of science?'
Director
Tony Jones
Producer
Ivan O'Mahoney
Screenwriter
Tony Jones, Rachel Grierson-Johns
Production Co
In Films
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 46m