Watch The Ghosts In Our Machine

The Ghosts In Our Machine is a thought-provoking documentary from 2013 that highlights and exposes the hidden world of animal exploitation through the lens of photographer Jo-Anne McArthur. Directed by Liz Marshall, the film features the guiding narration of McArthur, as she takes the audience on an emotional journey to bear witness to the individuality and personality of non-human animals.

The film is a poignant and heartbreaking exploration of the pervasive and cruel animal exploitation practices that persist in our world, often hidden from the public eye. While the film offers an unflinching look at the reality of animal cruelty, it is also a celebration of the small acts of kindness and love that can exist in that same world.

The Ghosts In Our Machine offers an intimate look at some of the most pressing ethical dilemmas of our time, exploring the impact of human activity on animal life and highlighting the struggles of animal rights activists to create a more compassionate world.

Central to the film is McArthur's quest to bear witness to the lives of individual animals that are kept in captivity, such as those in zoos, circuses, and factory farms. From crammed stalls to barren cages, the animals in The Ghosts In Our Machine tell a story of exploitation, harm, and suffering, revealing the dark underbelly of the animal industry.

The Ghosts In Our Machine also shines a light on the ways in which some humans make efforts to rescue and care for non-human animals. The film features a visit to a farm animal sanctuary, where rescued animals are given the opportunity to live out the remainder of their lives in peace and safety. Contrasting the unspeakable experiences of exploited animals with a glimpse into the joy and enthusiasm of animals experiencing love for the first time serves as a stark reminder of the importance of animal welfare.

Throughout the film, McArthur's powerful photographs take centre stage, capturing the stories of individual animals in a way that is both evocative and emotive. Her photographs serve as a reminder that animals are not a resource to be exploited or passed over, but instead sentient beings with feelings and a capacity for joy and suffering just like humans.

The broader message of the film is that humans have the power to make a difference by expressing compassion for animals and the natural world. Through the lens of McArthur's camera, the audience is taken on a journey that captures the joys and sorrows of animal life and urges us all to consider the ways in which we can create a more just and equitable world for all living beings.

In summary, The Ghosts In Our Machine is a moving, thought-provoking, and authentic documentary that provides a new perspective on the lives of non-human animals, challenging viewers to revisit their attitudes and beliefs about animal rights and welfare. The film is well worth watching and serves as a wake-up call to the extent of animal exploitation in our world, and the urgency of taking action to address these issues.

The Ghosts In Our Machine is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 60.