Watch The Girl Who Talked to Dolphins

The Girl Who Talked to Dolphins is a fascinating documentary from Smithsonian Channel that explores the true story of "dolphin researcher" Margaret Howe Lovatt, who in the 1960s attempted to teach a bottlenose dolphin named Peter how to speak English. This controversial experiment is at the center of the show, as Lovatt's relationships with Peter and other dolphins offers intriguing insight into their cognitive capabilities and the limits of human understanding.

Narrated by British actor Steven Macintosh, the documentary examines Lovatt's extraordinary journey, from her early experiences working with dolphins in the Caribbean to her time at the Dolphin House, a lab under the watchful eyes of visionary neuroscientist John C. Lilly. At the Dolphin House, Lovatt was tasked with living in close quarters with Peter for months on end, speaking to him in simple English phrases and attempting to encourage him to mimic human speech.

The science behind the experiment was, at the time, cutting-edge and controversial, and the Girl Who Talked to Dolphins offers valuable context for both the scientific and societal implications of Lovatt's work. Interviews with former colleagues and experts in the fields of cognitive science and biology allow viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the experiment's goals and implications, as well as the broader issues raised by human attempts to communicate with other species.

Perhaps the most captivating element of The Girl Who Talked to Dolphins, however, is the insight it offers into the minds of Peter and his fellow dolphins. While Lovatt's attempts to teach Peter to speak English were ultimately unsuccessful, the documentary shares stunning archival footage of Peter and Lovatt interacting, as well as insights into the complex social structures and communication methods of dolphins.

Throughout the documentary, viewers will likely find themselves asking a number of questions about the nature of consciousness, the ethics of dolphin research, and the limits of our ability to understand other species. The show doesn't shy away from these complex issues, instead offering a nuanced and thought-provoking look at humanity's ongoing attempts to find a common language with other creatures.

In addition to the wealth of archival footage and interviews with experts, The Girl Who Talked to Dolphins also features commentary from actor Jeff Bridges, who became interested in dolphin research after working on the 1996 film White Squall. Bridges offers a unique perspective on the experiment and its legacy, bringing his own experiences as an actor and storyteller to the table and offering new insights into the role of empathy and emotional connection in scientific research.

Overall, The Girl Who Talked to Dolphins is an engaging and insightful documentary that tells a fascinating true story and raises important questions about our place in the animal kingdom. Viewers will likely come away from the show with a deeper appreciation for the intelligence and social complexity of dolphins, as well as a new awareness of the challenges and ethical considerations at play in our attempts to communicate with other species.