Go and see “Animal”!

By Edouard Vandeventer

Animal is a documentary directed by Cyril Dion, following the two previous ones: Demain (2015) and Après Demain (2018). Rather than a third one that would present, like the other two, positive initiatives around the world, Animal presents the journey of two Western teenagers – one English, one French – concerned about ecological issues in the manner of Greta Thunberg (militant, connected and depressed). These two teenagers, with strong principles and values (taking a plane is a dilemma for them), will discover, as they meet each other, that the relationship between humans and animals, even if it is currently one of destructive domination, can be transformed into a harmonious system if we add (but we don’t dare to use this word so strongly) love.

This film is a blessing for us Christians for several reasons.

For a start, it reminds us of the beauty of creation and especially of animals: the facial features of a monkey, the wings of a butterfly, each image reminds us of the genius of the creator. The film also reminds us that, although we often emphasise the superiority of humans over other creatures (with verses such as “[all the beasts of the earth] are yours for the taking” Genesis 9:2, or “Are you not worth much more than [the birds of the air]?” Matthew 6: 26), we have much in common with animals, and the first of these is that we are dependent on a creator. It is he who feeds the birds as well as people, it is he who clothes the butterfly as well as humans. We share the same condition with the animals, which is to live on this Earth. Moreover, we look forward with all creation to the time when “the children of God will be revealed” (Romans 8:19).

This film reminds us that the ‘dominion’ we have over all living beings must be experienced as the responsibility to love them.

Finally, this documentary shows us a reality of the world we live in today: the anxiety of a youth without hope. This is perhaps the most touching aspect of the film: the ever-worried look of Bella, the young English girl, at the destruction of nature.

Today, these young people are part of the nations that must become disciples (Matthew 28:19), children to be welcomed and consoled about the ecological disaster, just as Jesus welcomes and blesses children, for “whoever receives one of these little children in my name receives me” (Mark 9:37).