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Documentary

Lucy The Human Chimp (2021): Cast & Ratings

Lucy The Human Chimp (2021) movie poster

Lucy The Human Chimp is a 2021 documentary directed by Alex Parkinson, starring Janis Carter, Lorna Nickson Brown and Jacinta Mulcahy. It runs 1 hour 8 minutes. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10.

IMDb rating
7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
89%
Echo Score
80
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Lucy The Human Chimp (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 8m (68 min)
Director
Alex Parkinson
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
Studio
HBO Max
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Lucy The Human Chimp About?

The premise of Lucy The Human Chimp without spoilers.

In 1970s Oklahoma, Janis Carter develops a remarkable connection with Lucy, a chimpanzee raised as a human child. As Lucy grows into adolescence, her increasing size and strength create challenges for those caring for her. Seeking a new path, Janis leaves the United States and travels to Gambia. There, she guides Lucy's chimpanzee troop, embracing a life immersed in the wild and strengthening their extraordinary bond.

Lucy The Human Chimp Themes & Keywords

· 6 tags
  • chimpanzee
  • student
  • psychologist
  • experiment
  • ghana
  • reenactment
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Cast & crew

Lucy The Human Chimp Cast & Characters

Janis Carter leads the cast, with Lorna Nickson Brown as Janis Carter and Jacinta Mulcahy as Jane Tamerlin. Directed by Alex Parkinson; 4 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Alex Parkinson

More films directed by Alex Parkinson, best-rated first: Living with Leopards, Last Breath and Last Breath.

Full filmography
Ratings

Lucy The Human Chimp Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Lucy The Human Chimp 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 7.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in sensory experience (65).

80 /100

Lucy The Human Chimp Echo Score Breakdown

Lucy The Human Chimp demonstrates a compelling blend of emotional storytelling and thoughtful direction, anchored by palpable urgency and moments of poignancy. Critics and viewers alike noted the documentary’s memorable portrayal of cross-species bonds and its stirring narrative structure, though some questioned the reliance on dramatized reconstructions. The film’s balanced mix of archival footage and contemporary interviews reinforces its thematic depth. Overall, it offers a resonant meditation on human and animal relationships that leaves a lasting impression.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    In terms of direction and craft, the film benefits from a sincere directorial approach and authentic recreations that resonate with viewers. Several accounts praised the integration of archival footage with contemporary scenes, though criticism arose over repetitive photo-based dramatizations. The editing supports a cohesive visual rhythm, but occasional reliance on limited visuals undermines pacing. Net effect: a well-directed documentary with minor shortcomings in visual variety.

  • Character & Emotion 88

    When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the documentary excels in portraying the bond between Lucy and her caregiver. Viewers and critics noted vivid acting in reenactments and poignant interviews that highlight empathy and isolation. The narrative frequently draws out heartbreak and affection, creating ample emotional stakes. Overall, the film delivers a nuanced portrayal of interspecies connection that consistently engages on an emotional level.

  • Story & Flow 85

    In terms of narrative coherence and engagement, the film presents a compelling recounting of Lucy’s journey with measured pacing and evocative urgency. Contributors highlighted its absorbing exploration of anthropomorphism and ethical dilemmas, though one viewpoint questioned its heavy reliance on dramatized reconstructions. The blend of original footage with structured reenactments maintains momentum without sacrificing clarity. In sum, the storyline offers both emotional weight and thoughtful thematic progression.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    In terms of audiovisual design and cohesion, responses were mixed regarding the film’s soundtrack and effects. Some pointed to its effective integration of natural sounds and archival audio, while others criticized a manipulative score and unnecessary visual enhancements. The result is a sensory landscape that occasionally distracts from the content but also underscores key emotional beats. Overall, the sound and visual style support the narrative with intermittent overreach.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    In terms of lasting appeal and replay value, the film’s emotional depth and thematic resonance invite thoughtful reconsideration. Viewers reported strong impressions of Lucy’s story and Janis’s dedication that linger beyond the initial viewing, though its intense subject matter may limit casual revisits. The documentary’s carefully structured narrative and immersive vignettes offer insights that reward multiple watches. Overall, the film maintains a durable presence through its poignant themes.

Videos

Lucy The Human Chimp Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Lucy The Human Chimp.

Lucy The Human Chimp | Official Trailer | HBO Max
Details

Lucy The Human Chimp Also Known As

2 alternative titles: “O Chimpanzé Humano” and “Lucy, el chimpancé humano”.

Also known as
  • O Chimpanzé Humano
  • Lucy, el chimpancé humano

Seen Lucy The Human Chimp?

FAQ

Lucy The Human Chimp FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Lucy The Human Chimp, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Lucy The Human Chimp?

Lucy The Human Chimp runs 1 hour 8 minutes (68 minutes).

When was Lucy The Human Chimp released?

Lucy The Human Chimp was released on April 29, 2021.

Who directed Lucy The Human Chimp?

Lucy The Human Chimp was directed by Alex Parkinson.

More films by Alex Parkinson

Who is in the cast of Lucy The Human Chimp?

Lucy The Human Chimp stars Janis Carter, Lorna Nickson Brown as Janis Carter and Jacinta Mulcahy as Jane Tamerlin, among 4 credited actors.

How is Lucy The Human Chimp rated?

Lucy The Human Chimp has 7.3/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 63% on TMDB and 3.7/5 on Movie Insider.

Does Lucy The Human Chimp have a post-credit scene?

No. Lucy The Human Chimp has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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