Unlocking the Cage (2016): cast, story & where to watch
2016 · Film · ★ 7.1
Released in 2016, Unlocking the Cage is a documentary film directed by D. A. Pennebaker, running about 90 minutes.
What it’s about. Renowned filmmakers D A Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus follow determined animal rights activist Steven Wise into the courtroom for an unprecedented battle that seeks to utilize the writ of habeas corpus to expand legal “personhood” to include certain animals. Wise’s unusual plaintiffs—chimpanzees Tommy and Kiko, once famed showbiz stars—are now living in filth, struggling to survive. Wise and his impassioned legal team take us into the field, revealing gripping evidence of such abuse and plunging us into the intricacies of their case as they probe preconceived notions of what it means to be a non-human animal.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.1/10, Unlocking the Cage has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Unlocking the Cage page.
If you liked it. Fans of Unlocking the Cage tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Unlocking the Cage (2016)?
- In US, Unlocking the Cage is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Unlocking the Cage worth watching?
- Unlocking the Cage holds an audience score of 7.1 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- When was Unlocking the Cage released?
- Unlocking the Cage was released in 2016, with a runtime of about 90 minutes.