Critics have praised `` Blackfish '' for being an `` emotionally powerful '' and `` mesmerizing psychological thriller '' that could double as a teaching tool . `` Blackfish '' examines the 2010 incident when a killer whale killed its trainer . Filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite explores history of orcas in captivity . The film is based on an investigation by Australian journalist and author Paul Watson into the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau at her San Diego park last year. CNN Films has acquired the release to air on October 24 .
`` Blackfish '' examines the 2010 incident when a killer whale killed its trainer . Filmmaker Gabriela Cowperthwaite explores history of orcas in captivity . The film is based on an investigation by Australian journalist and author Paul Watson into the death of SeaWorld trainer Dawn Brancheau at her San Diego park last year. CNN Films has acquired the release to air on October 24 .