‘Unknown: Cave of Bones’ Netflix Review - A Journey into the Origins of Humanity

Who are we? Where do we come from? What makes us human? These are some of the most fundamental and enduring questions that have fascinated and perplexed humanity for millennia. In Unknown: Cave of Bones, a documentary film directed by Mark Munnucci, we are taken on a journey of discovery and wonder that may shed some light on these questions. The film explores the discovery and implications of Homo naledi, an extinct species of human ancestor that lived in South Africa about 250,000 years ago.

The film is not only a fascinating account of a groundbreaking scientific discovery, but also a compelling story of human curiosity, perseverance, and passion. The film showcases the challenges and risks that the researchers faced while exploring the dark and narrow caves, as well as the excitement and joy that they felt when they uncovered new clues about our ancient relatives. The film also features interviews with experts from various fields, such as genetics, archaeology, anthropology, and psychology, who provide insights and perspectives on the significance and implications of Homo naledi.

The narration of the film is done by Lee Berger, who is the leader of the research team and the main character of the story. He provides a personal and passionate account of the discovery and its implications, as well as his own thoughts and feelings. He also explains the scientific concepts and methods in a clear and accessible way. The storytelling of the film is engaging and suspenseful, as it follows the chronological order of the events and reveals new information and surprises along the way. The film also uses visual aids, such as animations, diagrams, and maps, to illustrate the findings and make them more understandable. The film also uses music, sound effects, and cinematography to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is the mystery surrounding the behavior and culture of Homo naledi. The film reveals that the bones were deliberately placed in a secluded chamber within the cave, suggesting that Homo naledi practiced some form of ritual burial, which is considered a hallmark of human cognition and symbolism. The film also reveals that Homo naledi had a small brain size, comparable to that of an ape, but had some human-like features, such as bipedalism, tool use, and sociality. The film raises questions about how Homo naledi evolved, how they interacted with other human species, and what they thought and felt. As Lee Berger says in the film, "Homo naledi is challenging us to rethink what it means to be human."

The film showcases the diversity and complexity of our evolutionary history, as well as the commonalities and connections that we share with our distant cousins. The film also celebrates the spirit of exploration and discovery that drives scientific inquiry and human progress.

The film relies heavily on the narration and opinions of Lee Berger, who is presented as the main protagonist and hero of the story. This may create a biased and one-sided view of the research process and the interpretation of the findings.

The film does not explore the broader social and political context of the discovery and its impact on South Africa and its people. For instance, how does the discovery relate to issues such as race, identity, heritage, and education in a country with a history of apartheid and inequality? The film also has a slow and uneven pacing, which may bore some viewers who are looking for more action and drama. The film may not appeal to viewers who are not interested in science, as it contains a lot of technical details and jargon.

Final Score – [6.5/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times