Watch Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist

Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist is a six-part documentary series created by National Geographic that premiered on December 6, 2017. The show is centered around the life, work, and untimely death of renowned primatologist and conservationist Dian Fossey. The series is narrated by Sigourney Weaver, who played Fossey in the 1988 film Gorillas in the Mist.

The show uses a combination of archival footage, dramatic reenactments, and interviews with Fossey's colleagues and friends to tell the story of her life and legacy. It is divided into six parts, each with a different focus. The first episode, "Secrets in the Mist," introduces viewers to Fossey and her work, while the second episode, "A Woman of Mystery," delves into her personal life and the events that led her to become a primatologist.

The third episode, "A Lonely Crusade," focuses on Fossey's early years in the field and her efforts to study and protect the gorillas of the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda. The fourth and fifth episodes, "Murder on the Mountain" and "The Suspects," explore the circumstances surrounding Fossey's murder in 1985 and the subsequent investigation into her death.

The final episode, "Legacy," looks at Fossey's impact on conservation efforts and her ongoing influence on the study of primatology. Throughout the series, the show explores Fossey's strengths, weaknesses, and complicated relationships with her colleagues and the people of Rwanda.

One of the strengths of Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist is its use of archival footage and interviews with people who knew Fossey personally, including her research assistants, colleagues, and even her caretaker. These firsthand accounts provide insight into Fossey's personality and motivations that would be difficult to glean from her published work alone.

Another strength of the series is its portrayal of the complex relationship between Fossey and the Rwandan people. While Fossey is rightly celebrated for her work in gorilla conservation, the show does not shy away from exploring the tensions that arose between Fossey and the people who lived near her research site. Some of Fossey's actions, such as her advocacy for the eviction of Rwandan farmers from the park, are portrayed as controversial and even harmful.

The series also sheds light on Fossey's personal life, a subject that was largely absent from Gorillas in the Mist. Viewers learn about Fossey's failed marriage, her struggles with alcoholism, and her close relationships with her research assistants. Through interviews with Fossey's friends and acquaintances, the show paints a nuanced picture of a woman who was both driven and deeply flawed.

Overall, Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist is a thorough and engaging exploration of Fossey's life and legacy. While it is not without its flaws, such as a tendency toward melodrama in the reenactment scenes, the show is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about Fossey's work and the preservation of endangered species. Sigourney Weaver's narration adds a touch of Hollywood glamour to the series, but ultimately it is Fossey's story that shines through.

Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between December 6, 2017 and on National Geographic