Spoiler Warning: This discussion features some important narrative information that could spoil the text for you. It does not necessarily spell out the film’s conclusion, but it does talk about events in detail.
"What she taught me was to feel that you're part of this place, not a visitor."
My Octopus Teacher, the frontrunner for tonights Oscars ceremony, is a film that has been on my radar all year. It’s been recommended a couple of times, and I finally pulled the trigger. There’s plenty to love here and more than enough visual beauty to entertain the eyes, but there’s something that doesn’t quite sit right for me.
It is virtually impossible to talk about My Octopus Teacher without talking about its narrator and guide through the course of the documentary, Craig Foster. Foster is intricately linked into the story after developing an intimate bond with an octopus in his frequent visits into the seas of South Africa. His commentary can become a little overbearing, and by the end, seems to overtake the text when what is the most inviting part of the entire text is actually the octopus. Indeed, his own description of the relationship is exactly that: a relationship. It feels as though Foster has fallen for the creature, with much of his narration sounding like the final declaration of love in a romantic comedy. However, it also creeps into that slightly outdated model of creepily stalking the romantic lead, even when it is not their place to do so.
In other ways, it is charming. It adds a nice personal touch to something like Blue Planet with David Attenborough’s more enthusiastic commentary on the prey-predator complex. In this film, whenever Foster’s friendly octopus is in danger, it is like his companion or friend is in direct danger. It’s a very strange, but by all means, invigorating process to witness. The ‘action’, or more accurately horror, sequences where the octopus is chased by sharks are effective because of the simple construction of the octopus as a character. It’s why the final act is horrendously upsetting and really elevates this text beyond a documentary about how octopuses hunt, evade predators and mate.
My Octopus Teacher is an emotional doc. It has a precise personal touch, one that I have never seen in an animal doc. The footage captured is remarkable throughout. The handheld material works to exaggerate its personal touch, makes moments that are one in 500 days feel authentic and candid. The more picturesque approach to the wider shots is gorgeous, with images that could hang on your walls. It’s just a shame Foster is so involved and pushes the final moments onto himself.
Connor Clarke Film 