My Octopus Teacher

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My Octopus Teacher

2020

1h 25m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

43 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

A diver swims with an octopus that lives in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa.

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Critics Consensus

A heartwarming look at the way a meaningful bond can transcend just about any barrier, this documentary will leave you asking your friends to come and see My Octopus Teacher with you.

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Pippa Bailey

New Statesman

05/12/2021

Must we view an octopus as a friend, a saviour, a teacher? Couldn't we simply settle for not eating them?

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Peter Travers

ABC News

04/23/2021

You'll laugh and cry your eyes out as an emotionally bruised diver learns about life and loyalty from an eight-tentacled mollusk. This Oscar favorite and viral sensation is the year's most unorthodox and unforgettable love story.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

03/29/2021

4/5

Is this octopus so extraordinary, such a miracle of the natural world, that we're going to believe this redemption tale? And the answer is: yes, it is.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

08/17/2022

4/5

“My Octopus Teacher” is a beautiful, moving, and reflective experience. It’s also a little crazy and doesn’t do much to hide its aggressive tugs on your heartstrings.

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Dan Bayer

Next Best Picture

05/13/2022

8/10

While this approach leaves the human element of the film's story often feeling like a bit of an afterthought, it still manages to garner an emotional response through the intimacy and purity of its story.

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Robin Holabird

Robin Holabird

05/03/2022

Foster’s approach avoids sentimentality and enhances both understanding and appreciation.

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Roddy

05/06/2021

Love this film, one of the best nature docs ever made.

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Judith S

05/01/2021

Wonderful photography touching story of a man learning to a love because of an octopus.

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Jen B

@jbaker11209 Jul 18

Great documentary, the narration is wonderful, but the photography and filming underwater is spectacular! It is a walk through the life of one octopus and life saving of a man as their relationship evolves. I loved it and every slow moving moment.

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Levi J

@Lev77 Mar 31

A magnificent documentary that captivates one of the most beautiful and intelligent creatures on earth!

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Joe U.

@ACSolarski Mar 16

Great footage of a fascinating octopus makes the narcissist narrator tolerable.

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N B.

@crystlbrdgs Mar 3

Some guy from Australia invents the concept of feeling and is really impressed.

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Pippa Ehrlich

Director

James Reed

Director

Craig Foster

Self

Pippa Ehrlich

Writer

James Reed

Writer

Craig Foster

Producer

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Synopsis

A diver swims with an octopus that lives in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa.

Director: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed
Producer: Craig Foster
Screenwriter: Pippa Ehrlich, James Reed
Production Co: Off the Fence, The Sea Change Project, A Netflix Original Documentary
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 7, 2020
Runtime: 1h 25m