Social media is choked with inspirational viral photos and videos of unusual animal friendships, but My Octopus Teacher is something very different. A year-long diary about one man and one octopus, it’s full of genuine wonder about the natural world, and frames the central relationship in terms that go beyond the mere “Aww, that’s cute!” response.
In 2010, suffering severe burnout, nature filmmaker Craig Foster took to freediving amidst the kelp forests in the frigid waters off South Africa. There he met and gradually befriended a female octopus, visiting her every day until she felt comfortable playing with him. He took to filming her and also installed remote cameras around her territory, capturing some astonishing footage of her fighting pyjama sharks, hunting crabs, and just exploring. Through observing and interacting with her, Foster gained a new, awed understanding of both nature and nonhuman intelligence — a sensation conveyed to the viewer in the way directors Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed shape Foster’s footage into a narrative.
WARNING: Octopuses don’t live that long. Yes, the octopus dies, and yes, you will cry. Prepare accordingly.
My Octopus Teacher is available to stream on Netflix.
The Latest
Saudi Arabia Announces $1M “Freedom of Expression” Art Award
Kanye West, Roman Polanski, and Carl Andre are among the shortlisted artists.
British Museum Offers Greece “Exclusive NFT” of the Parthenon Marbles
“With the power of blockchain technology, there will be no question who the real owner is,” said a British Museum spokesperson.
The Public Theater Explores the Hurricane Katrina Diaspora in shadow/land
Written by Erika Dickerson-Despenza and directed by Candis C. Jones, this lyrical meditation on legacy, erotic fugitivity, and self-determination is on view in NYC.
MoMA to Co-Curate Exhibition With NYPD
Arrest Me, Daddy hopes to cast a more positive light on the work of law enforcement officers.
Repatriation-Inspired Fragrance Line Hopes to Heal Collector Wounds
The exotic scents of the Rapatriement line offer solace and joy to dismayed collectors who were forced to return looted artifacts.
The Rubin Museum Presents Death Is Not the End
Tibetan Buddhist and Christian works of art made across 12 centuries explore death, the afterlife, and the desire to continue to exist. On view in NYC.
Prince Harry to Star in New Van Gogh Biopic
The estranged prince said he took the role to raise awareness of mental health issues.
Vatican Partners With Balenciaga on “Spiritual” Menswear Line
A spokesperson for the church cited “shared values” with the fashion brand.
When I Am Empty Please Dispose of Me Properly
Ayanna Dozier, Ilana Harris-Babou, Meena Hasan, Lucia Hierro, Catherine Opie, Chuck Ramirez, and Pacifico Silano explore the myths of the American Dream at Brooklyn’s BRIC House.
Iran Issues Fatwa Against AI
A reinterpretation of the Quran through a queer lens, written by an AI chatbot, is said to cause the move.
Met Gala Announces 2023 “Looting and Plunder” Theme
Select A-list guests will be invited to wear any artifacts from the museum’s collection that have not yet been seized by the Manhattan DA’s office.
Pratt’s 2023 Fine Arts MFA Thesis Exhibition Is On View in Brooklyn
The two-part exhibition features the work of 41 graduating artists across disciplines, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and integrated practices.
Florida School Censors Madonna and Child; Calls It “Assault on Family Values”
The school said the Virgin Mary in the painting “doesn’t look happy enough” about experiencing the joy of motherhood. Governor Ron DeSantis applauded the move.
MTV’s The Exhibit Is Finally Spicing Up
In the penultimate episode, the show’s editors managed to ignite the spark of mindless reality TV.