Netflix has released the official trailer and first images from Shark Whisperer, a new feature documentary from James Reed, the Oscar-winning director of My Octopus Teacher.
The film premieres globally on June 30, 2025, and centers on a figure as captivating as the predators she swims with, marine conservationist Ocean Ramsey.
Known for her viral videos of swimming side by side with sharks, Ramsey has built a global following and sparked equally global controversy. Now, her story takes center stage in a documentary that looks past the headlines and dives headfirst into one of the most polarizing debates in wildlife conservation today.
Watch the Trailer
What Is Shark Whisperer About?
More than just another nature documentary, Shark Whisperer is a tense, thoughtful look at the intersection of conservation, social media, and spectacle. At its core is Ocean Ramsey, an advocate determined to challenge the public’s fear of sharks by swimming among them without cages or protection.
To her supporters, she’s a passionate voice for misunderstood animals. To her critics, she’s blurring the lines between science and self-promotion. The film unpacks that duality, offering a closer look at the woman behind the videos and the complicated ecosystem she navigates, both marine and media-driven.
A Visual and Ethical Deep Dive
The documentary is directed by James Reed, J.P. Stiles, and Harrison Macks, with cinematography that captures both the serene and the unsettling beneath the surface.
Shark Whisperer weaves together intimate footage of Ramsey’s encounters with sharks and on-the-ground insight from marine biologists, indigenous leaders, and fellow conservationists. Their perspectives, sometimes in agreement, sometimes in opposition, frame a larger conversation about the ethics of wildlife interaction, the role of digital influence, and the future of ocean advocacy.
Not Just About Sharks
While sharks are at the center, the documentary is ultimately about how we frame our narratives, about nature, risk, and purpose. It challenges viewers to consider who gets to tell these stories, what they leave out, and how those choices shape public perception.
Documentary Details:
- Title: Shark Whisperer
- Release Date: June 30, 2025
- Runtime: 90 minutes
- Directors: James Reed, J.P. Stiles, Harrison Macks
- Executive Producers: Lana Barkin, Dane Lillegard
- Production Companies: Boardwalk Pictures, Underdog Films Limited
The Poster
