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

May 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

Apr 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

Mar 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

Aug 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

May 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

May 3, 2022

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

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Roddy

May 6, 2021

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

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Judith S

May 1, 2021

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

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Meri S

@mschroeder 5 days ago

Wow!! Anyone lacking empathy for wildlife should watch. I have a new appreciation for octopus. The cinematography was incredible.

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Luca T

@RT19595480 Sep 12, 2026

Could be a wounderful documental if the men rey to save the octopus. For me is not that sensitive person and the structure moves around his life and personal problems. Not too satisfayed sorry

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Archie A

@ArchietheOctopus Aug 21, 2026

Thanks for sharing your Octopus teacher with all of as. Indeed, spending time with any animal changes how you see all the animals with all their feelings, intelligence and magic. But one thing stuck with me, you said you learned from her that you are part of the world not just a visitor. So how could you not help this little friend of you and save her from shark attack? I just can’t get this

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Jen B

@jbaker11209 Jul 18, 2026

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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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

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