Tanya’s Score: Good-and-a-half*
Rated: PG
Starring: a South-African filmmaker; a cephalopod
Plot: A documentary about a South African filmmaker who forms an unlikely relationship with an octopus he happens upon while snorkelling in a kelp forest.
Tanya’s Verdict: There are two reasons I found this Netflix doc particularly engaging: the first is the story of Craig Foster (he’s the filmmaker and basically the lone star of this film – not counting the octopus of course). The glimpse Foster provides into his state of mind and his lack of direction when he first stumbles upon the octopus sets the stage for the second engaging bit: the bond forged between him and octopus.
Those who know me, know that I am not a warm and fuzzy individual – especially where animals are concerned. But after watching this film, I think I may have misjudged the octopus as a potentially cute and cuddly species.
Not only is the budding friendship between man and octopus captivating, so is the story of what this relationship has in turn done for Craig Foster – as a fellow creature living on earth struggling to find a purpose or at the very least, to feel that he does have a purpose.
Even young children can appreciate this film for what it has to offer them – an in-depth look at the intricate, complex and somewhat mysterious life of a lone octopus hunting, eating, and playing in a corner of the world many of us would never think twice about.
Our entire family watched this one and enjoyed it.
*Four score descriptions: Sh**; Okay; Good; Great