Netflix may have just unleashed its most emotionally charged documentary of the year.
Critics and audiences alike have been singing the praises of a brand-new factual film that has recently landed on the streaming giant, reports the Mirror.
A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough dropped on Netflix on April 17 and is narrated by the legendary conservationist and broadcaster.
The programme follows Sir David Attenborough as he reflects on his encounters with a troop of gorillas back in the 1970s in the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda.
The now-iconic footage of baby gorilla Pablo launching himself at the wildlife presenter during filming has become one of the most recognisable moments in television history, catapulting the now 99 year old Attenborough to fame when Life on Earth first aired.
A Gorilla Story returns to the descendants of Pablo in the very same location, charting how the species has flourished over the past 50 years - and the documentary has garnered glowing reviews.
The Guardian awarded the programme a five-star rating, promising viewers would be "overcome with awe".
The publication continued: "Violence, power struggles, grief; this is the stuff of high drama."
Meanwhile, Esquire declared it the "most gripping documentary of the year", highlighting what the outlet describes as "one of the most iconic and delightful pieces of natural history footage ever shot".
Among general audiences, one viewer simply posted on Rotten Tomatoes in their five-star review: "Photography is amazing."
While a second commented: "Sir Attenborough appears to Sharing more than just a story this time around and there will be moments that his voice cracks at what he is sharing about the lives of his story.
"Any and All Nature Fans or Fans of Sir Attenborough and his Visceral way of sharing a story is unquestionably one not to be missed and enjoyed in a way that made my chest heavy like none before..."
A third top-rated reviewer wrote: "This stunning film follows the family and descendants of Pablo, the baby gorilla who memorably lay down on top of David Attenborough when he first visited Virunga in the 70s. Gorgeous."
Reflecting on his unforeseen encounter with Pablo in the documentary, Attenborough revealed he chose to "just sit back and let it happen".
Attenborough, who reaches the milestone age of 100 next month, disclosed that neither he nor the film crew had anticipated coming across any gorillas during filming, and were genuinely taken aback when they found themselves face to face with the animals.
The celebrated wildlife presenter explained that the original intention had been to discuss the opposable thumb and forefinger, though this plan ultimately never materialised.
He further confessed to feeling a "deep connection" with certain animals, gorillas in particular, stating: "They fill me with an overwhelming sense of wonder and fear."
A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough is streaming on Netflix now
