Documentary

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes (2020): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Name: The Woman Who Loves Giraffes
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2020-01-10
Duration: 2 h 3 min
Cast: Anne Innis Dagg, Victor Garber, Tatiana Maslany, Lindsay Leese, John Doherty

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes (2020) movie poster

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes is a 2020 documentary directed by Alison Reid, starring Anne Innis Dagg, Victor Garber and Tatiana Maslany. It runs 2 hours 3 minutes and earned $189,887 worldwide. Critics gave it 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.

IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
worldwide gross: $189.9K
Echo Score: 80

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Released: January 10, 2020
Runtime: 2h 3m (123 min)
Director: Alison Reid
Genre: Documentary
Original language: English
Studio: Zeitgeist Films
After the credits: No No extra scene

The story

What Is The Woman Who Loves Giraffes About?

The premise of The Woman Who Loves Giraffes without spoilers.

In 1956, biologist Anne Innis Dagg undertook a groundbreaking solo expedition to the wilds of South Africa to study giraffes. Now in her eighties, she reflects on this remarkable youthful adventure, sharing personal letters and captivating 16mm film footage. The film interweaves her early discoveries with the sobering reality of the challenges giraffes face today, highlighting both the wonder of the natural world and the importance of conservation.

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes Themes & Keywords

· 17 tags

giraffe
anne innis dagg
female scientist
feminist
conservation
animal in title
five word title
chicago illinois
year 2016
reference to jane goodall
south africa
zoo

+5 more

sexism
written by director
washington d.c.
protest march
1950s

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Cast & crew

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes Cast & Characters

Anne Innis Dagg leads the cast, with Victor Garber as Alex Matthew and Tatiana Maslany as Young Anne. Directed by Alison Reid; 10 actors are credited in all.

Director Alison Reid

Anne Innis Dagg as themselves
Victor Garber as Alex Matthew
Tatiana Maslany as Young Anne
Lindsay Leese

Also Starring in The Woman Who Loves Giraffes

· 6 more

John Doherty Themselves
David Chinchilla
Amy Phelps Themselves
Lisa Clifton-Bumpass Themselves
Mary Dagg Themselves
Sandy Middleton Themselves

From the director

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Woman Who Loves Giraffes 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and 71 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 80/100, strongest in character & emotion (88) and weakest in rewatch factor (68).

80 /100

The Woman Who Loves Giraffes Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Woman Who Loves Giraffes delivers a warmly crafted and thoughtfully structured portrait of its pioneering subject. The film’s use of restored 16-millimeter footage and letter readings provides a compelling visual foundation, while Dr. Dagg’s personal journey resonates across several narrative threads. Despite some tonal inconsistencies introduced by an overly buoyant musical score, the documentary maintains engagement through its detailed exploration of scientific discovery and social barriers. Net impression: a satisfying, inspirational documentary with minor sonic distractions.

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

Art & Craft 80

In terms of art and craft, the documentary excels with its vivid 16-millimeter footage and well-paced editing. Critics and viewers alike praise the restored color film and thoughtful sequencing, which enhance the historical authenticity. Some find the transition moments less dynamic, but the overall visual presentation remains engaging. Net impression: visually solid and carefully assembled.
Character & Emotion 88

In terms of character and emotion, Dr. Dagg’s presence anchors the narrative with genuine warmth. Her letters and archival footage convey nuanced determination and emotional depth, yielding a connection that resonates with both critics and audiences. The film’s emphasis on her personal struggles against institutional bias further amplifies emotional engagement. Net impression: an empathetic and compelling character portrait.
Story & Flow 80

When it comes to story and flow, the film weaves ecological urgency and personal biography into a cohesive narrative. Viewers note that the dual focus on giraffe conservation and gender discrimination maintains interest, though some segments feel uneven in pacing. The exploration of rediscovery late in life adds originality. Net impression: engaging and moderately well-structured storytelling.
Sensory Experience 70

In terms of sensory experience, the documentary showcases a strong visual style through archival film, but the modern score occasionally undermines tonal consistency. The sound design of ambient wildlife sequences offers immersive moments, although an overly buoyant soundtrack distracts from darker themes. Net impression: visually captivating with variable sound cohesion.
Rewatch Factor 68

Regarding rewatch factor, the documentary’s historical footage and inspirational narrative invite repeat viewings. The earnest presentation and archival materials reward audiences seeking depth in scientific history and gender studies. However, minor pacing drags and inconsistent musical cues may lessen replay appeal for some viewers. Net impression: solid rewatch value tempered by uneven pacing.