A 2021 Oscar winner for best documentary, My Octopus Teacher is a brilliantly constructed film. It is centered around Craig Foster, who longs to be immersed in the wild and befriends a peculiar octopus off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. The movie documents hundreds of days this man spends with the octopus - the wild animal starts off timid, but eventually grows on him, demonstrating how incredibly observant, emotional, and intelligent an octopus can be. The way this beautiful story is told will hit close home and leave you stunned.
One of the moments that truly stuck with me was the first time Craig Foster made physical contact with the octopus. After days of going back to the water, the octopus becomes more comfortable around him, and one day, Craig reaches out his arm and the octopus slowly creeps, grasping Craig’s hand. This was incredibly powerful and touching - a wonderful moment between a human being and a wild animal. The two share this interaction and continue to build a unique relationship throughout the course of the movie.
Even if you're not a documentary type, this movie will surely engross you. The allure of the South African coast, paired with the ecosystem of animals that inhabit the sea, is a delightful sight. Please consider viewing My Octopus Teacher - you will not be let down by this award-winning film.
My Octopus Teacher is rated 8+ on common sense media.
Trailer is linked here
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