Netflix's feel good documentary about a jaded nature filmmaker and the life lessons and relationship he formed with an octopus over a year looks set to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. But does it deserve it? No doubt it was a good documentary, beautifully shot and edited, and a soothing balm for these trying times. However, it really was just another nature documentary that anthromorphised a mollusk to engage the audience.
The filmmakers tried to widen the scope by introducing to us Craig Foster - the titular "my" - in the beginning as a burnt out professional who then eventually found himself re-energised by the end of the film. But, to be honest, we never did find out much about Foster. Why was he burnt out? Why did he need a change? What did he actually learn? How did he apply what he had "learnt"? And in the end, you realised that the title of the documentary was actually a bit of a misnomer; "The Octopus" might have been more apt.
Regardless, the underwater photography/shooting was beautiful and as a nature documentary it was highly informative. You will definitely learn a few things about octopi and even begin to develop a sense of empathy for their way of life. But to be sure, this was no Planet Earth and Foster's narration was no David Attenborough's. However, Foster did imbue a sense of genuine, almost child-like, discovery as he followed the Octopus through the weeks. And perhaps it was this reason that has drawn so many viewers - and awards voters - to it.
At just 85 minutes long, My Octopus Teacher was an easy watch. Although it got a bit draggy in the middle, it was still worth it to stick till the end to witness.
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