You are here:

Equus: Story of the Horse

Name: Equus: Story of the Horse
Director: Dennis Wells, Niobe Thompson
Released: 2019
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

6.2/10

Good

2019

TV-PG

Director

Dennis Wells, Niobe Thompson

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Equus: Story of the Horse is a standout ethnographic documentary that successfully breaks away from the typical Western perspective often seen in nature documentaries. By visiting the Altai Mountains, the Arabian Peninsula, and Blackfoot territories, the film offers a multi-polar view of human history. The production excels in its commitment to global perspectives, treating non-Western communities as sophisticated subjects rather than exotic curiosities. This focus on cultural continuity and indigenous ability to act provides a strong foundation for its diversity profile. While the film does not engage with LGBTQ+ themes or disability representation, its strength lies in its refusal to center Western-centric biological or historical narratives. It balances scientific evolutionary biology with a respectful, secular exploration of diverse human traditions.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Equus: Story of the Horse have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not explicitly focus on LGBTQ+ identities or relationships. Instead, it centers on the interactions between humans and animals across different cultures.

How does Equus: Story of the Horse portray gender?

Fair

The documentary presents a balanced view of human-animal interactions around the world. It avoids reinforcing Western patriarchal norms by highlighting indigenous and nomadic social structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Equus: Story of the Horse?

Excellent

The film stands out by de-centering Western-centric views of history. It gives significant roles to Altai, Bedouin, and Blackfoot peoples, showing them as knowledgeable custodians of ancient traditions.

How does Equus: Story of the Horse represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative takes a relativistic approach, emphasizing the lived experiences and spiritualities of various tribes. It avoids imposing a single Western or Christian moral framework on its subjects.

Does Equus: Story of the Horse include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence regarding the depiction of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The film's scope focuses on cultural anthropology and evolutionary biology.

Present on Screen

Strong commitment to showcasing Altai, Bedouin, and Blackfoot communities.
Successfully de-centers Western-centric views of history and biology.
Gives significant roles to non-Western subjects, presenting them as knowledgeable cultural custodians.
Embraces moral relativism by exploring diverse spiritualities without imposing Western frameworks.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation or engagement with LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not address physical or neurodivergent disabilities within its anthropological scope.

Official Synopsis

While the earliest works of art of mankind depicted horses, the early history of the two species remains largely unknown. From the last nomadic peoples of the Altai Mountains to the Bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula and the Blackfoot Indians, Canadian anthropologist and filmmaker Niobe Thompson traveled the world for two years. He went to meet these communities who live in osmosis with their horses, and tried to understand the history and the nature of the very special bond between man and animal. At the same time, the work of German evolutionary biologist Martin Fischer allows, thanks to a 3D animation, to bring back to life the ancestor of the horse, whose appearance is surprisingly reminiscent of a small fox.

How are these scores produced? →