In recent years, cinema has ventured into the enigmatic world of animal consciousness, offering viewers a unique perspective that challenges traditional storytelling. One notable example is Pepe, a film directed by Dominican filmmaker Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Arias, which won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival. This cinematic exploration delves into the mind of an adult hippopotamus once part of Pablo Escobar's private zoo in Colombia. Unlike typical animal-centric films, Pepe eschews anthropomorphism and instead presents a philosophical, multilingual narrative voice that keeps the creature's essence elusive. The film joins a niche subgenre where animals take center stage, often highlighting human nature's darker aspects.

This genre has seen various interpretations. In 2020, Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier's documentary The Velvet Queen captured the elusive snow leopard, emphasizing the beauty and mystery of wildlife while making viewers aware of their invasive gaze. Similarly, Jerzy Skolimowski's EO, a visually immersive journey through Europe from a donkey's perspective, garnered Oscar nominations for its raw portrayal of animal suffering. These films challenge the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity's impact on other species.

Contrasting with these somber tones, lighter fare like Babe offers a heartwarming tale of a pig defying expectations, blending fantasy with relatable human emotions. Jean-Jacques Annaud's The Bear (1988) remains a technical marvel, telling a nearly dialogue-free story of an orphaned bear cub's survival. Meanwhile, Watership Down strikes a balance between anthropomorphic fantasy and the harsh realities faced by animals in a human-dominated world.

The exploration of animal narratives continues to evolve, reflecting both the cruelty and compassion inherent in human-animal relationships. Through diverse storytelling methods, filmmakers invite audiences to reconsider their connection with the natural world. Whether through haunting documentaries or whimsical tales, these films underscore the importance of empathy and understanding across species boundaries.