When taking an overview of Netflix's original documentary "My Octopus Teacher" it was difficult not to think of it as nothing more than a glorified daytime TV documentary--albeit one that is filmed in glorious 4K as the streaming service has a habit of cutting no corners when it comes to presentation. I mean, how could I not think of it? It is literally about a marine biologist doing his job.
This marine biologist, though is Craig Foster--founder of The Sea Change Project and discoverer of no less than eight new species of shrimp--one of those named after him. Despite being a documentary, "My Octopus Teacher" is also very focused on its singular subject of marine exploration. All we know is that Foster had gone through a period of crisis in his life without going into details what was it about. It is respectful from Netflix to focus strictly on his healing process. This is where his love for marine exploration is rekindled.
The fascinating thing about Foster and arguably what makes him such an efficient marine biologist is that his main purpose is not scientific but personal. He swims without a scuba tank or a swimsuit so that he is more like an amphibious animal. As corny as he can be alongside the soundtrack, when it's accompanied by some of the most alien-looking underwater photographs anyone has ever captured and the amount of physical effort he succumbs himself to you cannot help but admire.
It is also carried forward by his vivid and candid descriptions: "What's so amazing about this environment is you're in a three-dimensional forest; you could jump off the top, go anywhere you want--you're flying, basically". These are only the first 10 minutes. The pace picks up once Foster meets the ominous octopus. The relationship that develops between himself and this animal unravels in unimaginable ways. It is almost scripted, with him being there for "about 80%" of the female octopus' life. He witnesses her as she goes about her day--sometimes even visiting her during night as octopuses are nocturnal--and even as she was giving birth.
One of the most visceral moments are those in which she is hunted by predators as Foster was trying his best not to intervene with the natural course of nature. As fascinating it is to watch their connection, its greatest achievement is the realization of the physical and emotional depth that is possible when the means is driven by instinct. The philosophy of the octopus is like a parable for Foster's own life and his relationship with his son which is apparently getting better due to his underwater interactions with this creature. Lo and behold.
This marine biologist, though is Craig Foster--founder of The Sea Change Project and discoverer of no less than eight new species of shrimp--one of those named after him. Despite being a documentary, "My Octopus Teacher" is also very focused on its singular subject of marine exploration. All we know is that Foster had gone through a period of crisis in his life without going into details what was it about. It is respectful from Netflix to focus strictly on his healing process. This is where his love for marine exploration is rekindled.
The fascinating thing about Foster and arguably what makes him such an efficient marine biologist is that his main purpose is not scientific but personal. He swims without a scuba tank or a swimsuit so that he is more like an amphibious animal. As corny as he can be alongside the soundtrack, when it's accompanied by some of the most alien-looking underwater photographs anyone has ever captured and the amount of physical effort he succumbs himself to you cannot help but admire.
It is also carried forward by his vivid and candid descriptions: "What's so amazing about this environment is you're in a three-dimensional forest; you could jump off the top, go anywhere you want--you're flying, basically". These are only the first 10 minutes. The pace picks up once Foster meets the ominous octopus. The relationship that develops between himself and this animal unravels in unimaginable ways. It is almost scripted, with him being there for "about 80%" of the female octopus' life. He witnesses her as she goes about her day--sometimes even visiting her during night as octopuses are nocturnal--and even as she was giving birth.
One of the most visceral moments are those in which she is hunted by predators as Foster was trying his best not to intervene with the natural course of nature. As fascinating it is to watch their connection, its greatest achievement is the realization of the physical and emotional depth that is possible when the means is driven by instinct. The philosophy of the octopus is like a parable for Foster's own life and his relationship with his son which is apparently getting better due to his underwater interactions with this creature. Lo and behold.