“Chimp Crazy,” from the creators of Tiger King, is a fascinating yet flawed documentary that offers a captivating look into the lives of chimpanzees. The filmmakers, who previously drew us into the bizarre and chaotic world of Joe Exotic, now turn their lens to the jungle, and the result is a compelling, if somewhat uneven, exploration of our closest animal relatives.

The documentary excels in its portrayal of chimpanzee society, revealing a world rich with drama, conflict, and unexpected tenderness. The filmmakers have a keen eye for the small moments that define these creatures’ lives, capturing scenes of play, power struggles, and the quiet bonds that form between them. In these moments, “Chimp Crazy” finds its heart, allowing us to see the chimps not just as animals, but as complex beings with emotions and relationships that mirror our own.

Visually, the documentary is a triumph. The cinematography is lush and immersive, pulling us into the dense forests where these chimps live. The camera work, which often places us right in the middle of the action, is both intimate and grand, giving us a sense of the scale and beauty of the natural world.

But where “Chimp Crazy” stumbles is in its pacing. The documentary, like Tiger King, tries to balance its more reflective moments with the inherent drama of its subject matter, but doesn’t always succeed. There are times when the narrative drags, and the tension that the filmmakers are so skilled at building starts to dissipate.

That said, “Chimp Crazy” is still a powerful piece of filmmaking. It raises important questions about our relationship with animals, and the ethical implications of our interactions with them. The filmmakers, who have a knack for finding the humanity in their subjects, do the same for these chimps, making us care about their fate in a way that few documentaries can.

“Chimp Crazy” may not be as sensational as Tiger King, but it is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking film that stays with you long after the credits roll.