The most surprising thing about this documentary is not the subject matter, which is bestiality. It’s not the plot, which is the true story of a man who died having sex with a horse. And it’s not the salacious treatment of said subject matter, which is in fact quite staid. The most surprising thing about Zoo is that it’s boring.

The set up for the movie is a horse ranch in the state of Washington where men go to have sex with horses. One of the unlucky side effects of the Internet is that sexual fetishes have become easier to satisfy with the advent of anonymity and access. As a result, people who might have entertained an interest in bestiality have found a way to fulfill their fantasies by hooking up with others with the same proclivities.

I watched the film with equal parts trepidation and curiosity. I wondered both who these people were and how they would discuss and justify their bizarre and in some places illegal (though not in Washington) behavior.

Instead the filmmakers somehow manage to sidestep almost the whole story. The participants talk about the mixed drinks they made at these “parties” and the wonderful camaraderie.

The strange and bizarre tale that took a surprisingly dark turn becomes a metaphor for loneliness and a nod to outcasts everywhere. Was director Robinson Devor too squeamish to dig deeper? Or did he think he was being sensitive? All I know is that I watched it so you don’t have to.

Grade: F

Zoo is currently available.