My Octopus Teacher

I’ve loved film ever since I was a little girl — action, adventure, horror, fantasy. You name it, I’ve probably seen it. Not until adulthood did I start to venture into the documentary space. Boy, I had no idea what I was missing. Now, I just can’t get enough.

Last weekend I stumbled upon My Octopus Teacher, a 2020 Netflix Original documentary film directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed. Admittedly, I’m a bit scared of water, specifically when considering having to hold your breath for any length of time. You can see where I’m going here, with this underwater landscape reeling me in with each passing minute.

The story is about Craig Foster, a filmmaker who experienced what I would consider a major life event, where he lost touch with his craft and ultimately his family. One day, he leans into some of his more memorable childhood moments and goes scuba diving in a South African kelp forest. And that’s where it all begins, a most uncommon friendship with an octopus — a surprise for both human and cephalopod alike.

The underwater scenes were absolutely breathtaking, and the storyline was packed with all the emotions — happiness, anger, sympathy, sadness, inspiration, hope. To think that this unlikely friendship changed this man’s life in so many ways, I couldn’t help but think about the experiences that influenced me to be the woman I am today. What a great story to allow its audience to reflect and consider those that have made such a profound impact on our lives.