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6.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Baboona remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old-school, rough-around-the-edges travelogues, you’ll probably find something to enjoy here. It’s definitely not for anyone who expects a modern, clean nature documentary. If you get bored by grainy, silent-era footage where the narrative is basically 'we went here and saw a thing,' you’ll hate it. 🍿
There’s something hypnotic about Baboona, even when the editing makes zero sense. You’ve got Martin and Osa Johnson just kind of... existing in the middle of these massive animal migrations. The planes buzzing over the zebras feel dangerous in a way that feels reckless rather than professional.
The baboons are obviously the stars, though. They do some weird, almost human-like tricks that I’m still not sure were coached or just lucky shots. Some of the monkey sequences are just bizarre.
There is this moment where the lions get way too close to the planes, and you can tell the camera operators are holding their breath. It isn't staged. You can see the fear, or at least a very human sense of 'maybe this was a bad idea.'
I found myself comparing the vibe to The Adventures of Algy in terms of that old-timey, 'let's go see the world' energy. But where Algy feels like a story, this is just pure, unfiltered chaos from the field.
The parts with the locals arguing in their native languages are fascinating, though the film doesn't give us much context. It’s like being dropped into a conversation in the middle of the desert without a map. A bit jarring, honestly.
It’s not as tightly plotted as something like The Thundering Herd. It’s more of a collage of 'hey, look at that.' Sometimes that’s enough. Other times, I just wanted them to put the camera down and explain what the heck was happening.
It’s a dusty, strange little artifact. Don't go in expecting a masterpiece, just go in expecting to feel the sand in your teeth. 🌍