My Octopus Teacher

My Octopus Teacher

movie

TV-G, 2020, Documentary, Drama

WISE
80%

WISE Score

93

Avg. Tomatometer

A burned-out filmmaker befriends a wild octopus in a South African kelp forest and learns profound lessons about life, death, and curiosity.

IMDb8.1
RT Critics93%
MC82
TMDB7.9
Common Sense Media
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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare nature documentary that transcends the genre—it's a meditation on connection, mortality, and wonder that happens to feature an incredibly charismatic octopus. The underwater footage is breathtaking, and the relationship between Foster and his eight-armed teacher is genuinely moving.

But let's be real: this is not entertainment for the Bluey-to-Minecraft crowd. The pacing is glacial by modern standards, and it asks kids to sit with big feelings about death and the brutality of nature. When that shark chomps down, it's real. When the octopus dies at the end (not a spoiler—it's her natural lifecycle), it's genuinely sad.

For the right kid—the one obsessed with tide pools, the junior marine biologist, the thoughtful kid who asks big questions—this is absolute gold. It's enriching in the truest sense, teaching empathy, patience, and scientific curiosity without ever feeling preachy. Just make sure they're ready for nature documentary reality, not Disney-fied animal stories.

Co-watch with kids under 10, and maybe have a conversation ready about the circle of life that doesn't rely on Lion King references.

Age Fit

Best for thoughtful kids 9+ who can handle nature's realities and slow pacing. Younger marine-life enthusiasts (7-8) might enjoy it with parental co-viewing and prep about the predator scenes and death, but many will find it too slow. Teens and adults will appreciate the deeper emotional and philosophical layers.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88

Beautiful portrayal of patience, respect for nature, and emotional growth. Foster's journey models gentle curiosity and humility as he learns from the octopus rather than dominating it. The tone is contemplative and kind, showing vulnerability and wonder. Pacing is slow and meditative—perfect for some families, potentially too slow for kids used to faster content.

Imaginative
82

Stunning underwater cinematography reveals an alien-like world in a kelp forest. The octopus's problem-solving, camouflage abilities, and behavior spark genuine wonder about intelligence in unexpected places. However, it's observational rather than interactive—kids watch creativity rather than exercise it themselves. Still, it invites curiosity about marine biology and animal cognition.

Safe
65

Nature documentary reality: the octopus is hunted by sharks (shown in tense, somewhat graphic detail), loses an arm (visible injury), and eventually dies of natural causes at the end of her lifecycle. These are presented matter-of-factly as part of nature, not gratuitously, but younger or sensitive kids may find the predation scenes scary and the death sad. No human violence, language, or inappropriate content. The emotional weight of loss is real.

Enriching
90

Exceptional educational value about marine ecosystems, octopus intelligence, and interspecies connection. Teaches patience, observation, and respect for wild animals. Foster's personal transformation—reconnecting with nature after burnout—models emotional healing. The film raises profound questions about consciousness, empathy, and our relationship with the natural world. Winner of the 2021 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Absolutely stunning underwater cinematography that reveals a hidden world—like Planet Earth but more intimate and personal
  • Teaches genuine respect for wildlife and the value of patient observation over instant gratification
  • Sparks fascination with marine biology, animal intelligence, and ecosystems in a way that feels magical rather than textbook-y
  • Models emotional vulnerability and the healing power of nature connection—Foster's journey is genuinely moving
  • Oscar-winning documentary that treats both the octopus and the audience with intelligence and respect
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What to Watch For

  • The octopus is attacked by sharks (you see her lose an arm, it's real nature documentary stuff) and eventually dies naturally—not graphic but emotionally heavy
  • Pacing is S-L-O-W and contemplative; kids raised on YouTube speed may tap out, especially under age 8 or 9
  • Some younger kids may be scared by the predator scenes or sad about the octopus's death—know your kid's sensitivity level
  • It's a 'serious' documentary, not a fun animal romp—this is David Attenborough energy, not Finding Nemo

Conversation Starters

  • "What was the coolest thing the octopus did? Which of her camouflage tricks would you want to be able to do?"
  • "Why do you think Craig kept going back to visit her every single day? What would you want to learn from a wild animal if you could?"
  • "How did you feel when the shark attacked her? Is it sad or just part of nature, or both?"
  • "The octopus only lives for about a year—does that make the friendship more special or more sad?"
  • "Would you have the patience to swim in freezing water every day for months just to watch an animal? What would be worth that effort to you?"
Stills
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