We love to see lions in the wild. The majestic and powerful creatures have been the subject of countless documentaries. We appreciate their strength, their grace, and their fierceness. But for some, appreciation goes beyond marveling about the creatures into something darker.

With Lion Spy, a new documentary that’s out Tuesday, May 7, director Rogue Rubin seeks to uncover and bring to light these darker missions. She, too, was taken with Lions and wanted to protect them. In order to accomplish this mission, she goes undercover—posing as a photographer on lion hunts—to bring the truth of the practice to light.

The film features interviews with those going on hunts. It also features footage of these hunts and the devastating site of the creatures whose lives were taken as trophies, for sport, or just for the thrill of the hunt. Rubin seeks to showcase the truth of these hunts and stir the audience to action to help save lions in the wild from eradication.

The film is striking and, at times, difficult to watch. I have seen plenty of violence in film, but when the gunshots crack in this documentary it’s striking. The images of the fallen prey, conversely, is heart-breaking. It is in-your-face purposefully, meant to force people to confront this and question what they can do to help the practice end.

The film offers a practical opportunity to help at the end. But, mostly, it’s a call to action to make your feelings known and do something to preserve these creatures before it’s too late. It’s not an easy watch, but it feels like a necessary film and message.

As a documentary it moves at a brisk pace, clocking in at just 76 minutes. The images and ideas are powerful, though at times I’d have liked to see some more exploration of the subject and what’s being done to stem the tide.

For those who like documentaries and are moved to help nature thrive, this will be a difficult but can’t miss watch.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.