My Octopus Teacher 2020

In 2010, Craig Foster embarked on a remarkable journey of free diving in the frigid waters of a hidden kelp forest located in False Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa. Nestled close to Simon’s Town on the Cape Peninsula, this area is notorious for the chilling Benguela current that sweeps in from the Atlantic Ocean, often referred to as the cape of storms. At times, the ocean’s surging waves would inundate his bungalow adjacent to the beach.

Having observed native trackers in the Kalahari who could seamlessly blend with nature to spot elusive animals by keenly observing minute details, Foster, 18 years later, found himself at a crossroads in life. Seeking solace and understanding, he turned to the ocean’s depths, embracing the challenging conditions of water temperatures around 8-9 degrees Celsius. This plunge into the cold water offered a jolt to his senses, invigorating his entire being. After a year of acclimatizing to the icy waters, Foster began documenting his underwater encounters, eventually forming a unique bond with a curious young octopus.

As the film unfolds, viewers witness the evolving relationship between Foster and the octopus, which initially hides away in a slippery patch of algae. Armed with a camera, Foster’s patient presence draws the octopus out to explore the depths with him. Nearby, pajama sharks lurk in the same caves, presenting a constant threat with their aggressive behavior and exceptional olfactory abilities.

By Day 26, the initial trepidation fades as the octopus begins to investigate her surroundings and interacts with Foster. The moment they share, with the octopus reaching out a tentacle, marks the beginning of their profound connection. Over time, the bond deepens as she allows Foster into her world, revealing how she lives, sleeps, and feeds in the ocean. However, after a moment of fright when Foster accidentally drops a lens, she skitters away from him and does not return to her den, prompting Foster to learn the art of tracking her.

Despite the challenges, including a fierce encounter with a pajama shark that results in the octopus losing an arm, their relationship flourishes. Foster patiently nourishes her during her healing process, witnessing her regain strength and confidence by Day 250. Through shared experiences, including her hunting strategies, the octopus shows exceptional ingenuity, even using Foster as a part of her method to catch lobsters while he begins to understand the intricate dynamics of the kelp forest ecosystem.

As the journey progresses to Day 324, the octopus’s life comes to a natural end after she lays a large clutch of eggs, symbolizing the cycle of life and death in the ocean. Foster reflects on the wisdom gleaned from their mentor-like relationship, highlighting the lessons on life’s fragility and humanity’s deeper ties to nature. This connection not only impacts his life but also strengthens his bond with his son, Tom Foster, as he evolves into a skilled diver and aspiring marine biologist. This captivating narrative vividly illustrates the profound and transformative effects of engaging with the natural world.