My Octopus Teacher : Movie review


After another crazy week, I decided to unwind on a Friday evening. It was the beginning of Thanksgiving break. After being smitten by The Queen's Gambit, I was eager to watch more such TV series. While browsing on Netflix, I stumbled upon this interesting title. 

My Octopus Teacher entails the expedition of South African documentary film maker-Craig Foster who seeks refuge in the underwater forest of Kelp, off the Southwest tip of Cape Town. As he explores this enchanting world of exotic species, he stumbles upon this Octopus. Over time, he forms an inexplicable bond with it and it changes his life forever. Over a span of one year, he dives everyday to the same spot, gets entwined into the life of that octopus. He studies its behavioral patterns, which includes its ability to outwit predators and recover from attacks. He sees going to the same spot everyday enables him to notice the subtle differences. 

As someone who is fascinated with the ocean, this film captivated me from the beginning. As a diver, I have been privy to this exquisite underwater world. Its just a surreal feeling to be able to be a part of that world for a brief period, swim with the fish and experience a meditative state. A world where you are within yourself with no explicit desire to talk, express or socialize with anyone. Its just you and nature. Water has a wonderful way of calming your nerves and its a healer in a way. As a water sign, I have always experienced a sense of peace whenever I am next to the water or while swimming. 

This is probably why I could resonate with Craig's need to seek refuge in this world. There are plenty of endearing moments in the film. His first tryst with the octopus and the octopus extending his tentacle, learning to trust and welcome him into its world. A few moments make your heart stop, especially when you see the sharks trying to hunt the octopus. You smile when you see the Octopus outwitting the predators, cheer for it when it recovers from an attack. 

Nature is often slated to be a teacher and a healer. Apparently it sensitized Craig's feelings towards his other relationships. My Octopus Teacher is informative and insightful. The 90 minutes spent in watching this film was a time well spent. Its been years since I have gone diving. Watching this film was a good virtual tour of the underwater world. Another aspect that  I noticed was how Craig dived in freezing waters without a wetsuit. Thats something else! 

This documentary is a must watch for all divers and nature lovers! Certain relationships and bonds are beyond our understanding. Craig's rapport with that Octopus is one such instance. 

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