Cane Toads: An Unnatural History

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It’s part horror story, part comedy, and all about how one bad decision spiraled into an Aussie nightmare of epic proportions.

“Cane Toads” is in a category of its own in terms of genre.

But, still, I like it so much that I rank this #15 on my list of The Funniest Documentaries (up to 30 so far!)

Trailer for “Cane Toads: An Unnatural History”

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Ratings:

  • My Rating: 91/100
  • IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
  • Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 90/100 (Users); 88/100 (Critics)

Release Date: January 26, 1988

My Review of “Cane Toads: An Unnatural History”

“Cane Toads: An Unnatural History” is a quirky, darkly humorous documentary that explores the bizarre consequences of one of the most ill-fated biological experiments in history.

Directed by Mark Lewis, this 1988 doc runs just 47 minutes, yet it packs in more wit, irony, and oddity than most documentaries twice its length.

This isn’t just a film about toads—it’s about unintended consequences, human folly, and the weird ways nature bites back.

An Experiment Gone Wrong

In the 1930s, sugar cane farmers in Queensland, Australia, faced a problem: cane beetles were decimating their crops.

The solution? Import cane toads (Rhinella marina) from Central and South America to eat the beetles. What could go wrong?

A lot, as it turns out. The cane toads didn’t eat the beetles. They preferred easier prey—native insects and small animals.

With no predators to keep them in check, the toads thrived, spreading across much of Australia and wreaking havoc on local ecosystems.

Humor Amidst Ecological Disaster

What makes this doc unique is how it presents this ecological catastrophe with humor and absurdity. Lewis doesn’t just focus on the science—he dives into the cultural impact of the toads, showing how these unwelcome invaders have become part of Australian life.

We meet a colorful cast of characters, from scientists to suburbanites, who share bizarre, often hilarious encounters with the toads.

One memorable scene features a man who’s turned his backyard into a toad amusement park, complete with ramps and slides.

He talks about his “love” for these creatures. It’s surreal, funny, and a bit unsettling—much like the toads themselves.

A Visual Treat

The visuals are equally compelling. Lewis uses slow-motion shots, extreme close-ups, and even a few musical numbers to make the toads the unlikely stars of the show.

These techniques draw you in, making you almost feel for the toads, despite the destruction they’ve caused. There’s a perverse beauty in the way Lewis frames these bloated, warty creatures as they hop, croak, and invade.

Yet beneath the humor lies a sobering message about environmental mismanagement. The cane toad problem is a stark reminder that ecosystems are delicate and interconnected. Introduce one wrong species, and the ripple effects can be devastating and nearly impossible to reverse.

A Darkly Comic Approach

The narrative also touches on the lengths people go to deal with these pests. In some areas, locals run over toads with their cars or use golf clubs to whack them.

These anecdotes are both amusing and a bit horrifying, reflecting the deep frustration and helplessness felt by those living with the invasion.

Lewis’s approach to the subject is anything but conventional.

His use of satire and dark comedy allows the film to tackle a serious issue without being heavy-handed or preachy. Instead of lecturing the audience, he entertains and provokes thought, leaving viewers to draw their own conclusions about the wisdom—or lack thereof—of meddling with nature.

Little-Known Details

One lesser-known detail involves the original importation of cane toads from Hawaii. The scientists knew about the mixed results in other places but pressed on, driven by desperation and hope.

This small detail underscores the hubris and shortsightedness at the heart of this disaster.

Another fascinating tidbit is that cane toads have developed a cult following. Since the film’s release, the toads have inspired art, music, and even annual “Toad Day Out” events, where communities gather to capture and euthanize the pests.

This bizarre mix of culture and ecology shows how deeply the toads have embedded themselves in Australian society.

There’s also a striking moment in the doc when a dog licks a cane toad, intoxicated by the toxins they secrete.

This isn’t an isolated incident—cane toads produce a hallucinogenic substance, and some pets (and even a few humans) have sought out these toads for a “trip.” It’s another layer of weirdness in an already strange tale.

A Reflection on Human Nature

Perhaps the most poignant aspect is the portrayal of the people who coexist with these toads. Farmers and residents have accepted that the toads are here to stay.

There’s a sense of inevitability, a recognition that some mistakes can’t be undone. But there’s also resilience—a determination to adapt, to find humor in the absurdity, and to keep going despite the odds.

Cane Toads: An Unnatural History is more than just a documentary about an environmental disaster; it’s a reflection on human nature itself.

We act first, think later, and when the consequences come, they’re not always what we expected. Lewis’s film brilliantly explores this theme, wrapped in a package that’s as entertaining as it is enlightening.

If you’re looking for a doc that’s equal parts informative and entertaining, with a dash of the bizarre, this one’s a must-watch.

It’s a reminder that truth can be stranger than fiction—and that sometimes, all you can do is laugh at the messes we make.

The Sequel

There is a solid sequel called “Cane Toads: The Conquest” which you can watch for free at https://youtu.be/P-3LevPwLz4

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc

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