Discover Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Hilarious and Heartfelt Octopus Documentary

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I, a passionate admirer of Phoebe Waller-Bridge‘s comedic prowess displayed in Fleabag, am eagerly anticipating her new venture, Octopus!, a heartwarming two-part documentary on Prime Video. As a producer and narrator, she leads us through an enthralling, humorous, and enlightening journey that promises to be both entertaining and educational.

In a skillfully crafted, visually stunning manner, this documentary artfully combines an intriguing collection of peculiar facts about these eight-armed, soft-bodied ocean dwellers. It follows the lives of various octopuses, as well as those who are deeply invested in their welfare. This group even features comedian Tracy Morgan from “30 Rock,” whose fascination with the octopus serves to highlight his own humanity and provoke contemplation on life’s deeper mysteries, such as consciousness.

In the span of two captivating episodes totaling more than an hour, I can’t help but highly recommend this viewing experience for fellow enthusiasts of marine documentaries. The enchanting world of octopuses, as depicted in “Secrets of the Octopus,” is reminiscent, yet this production carries a similar emotional resonance to “My Octopus Teacher.” Directed by Pippa Ehrlich and James Reed, this masterpiece even garnered an Oscar. With Waller-Bridge’s witty remarks and the wealth of knowledge presented, you may find yourself forever changed in your perspective on octopuses – or ocean life at large.

Nine Minds, Three Hearts, Eight Tentacles, and a Wild Sex Life

Initially gripping the audience with fascinating trivia, an Octopus stands out as it was once known as “Paul the Octopus,” one of the World Cup’s remarkable predictors. This intuitive invertebrate correctly forecasted football match winners. As we delve deeper, we encounter significant figures such as marine biologists, fishermen, and Morgan who shares intriguing insights. She discloses the striking similarities between human parents’ love and dedication towards their children and that of a mother octopus.

In the documentary, we get acquainted with one of the prominent characters, Doris, who is extensively covered – primarily through interviews with experts, affectionately referred to as ‘talking heads’, that prove engaging rather than monotonous. The experts include a daring explorer on a quest to discover a hidden species and a passionate scientist devoted to preserving an ecology. The cinematographer of the film, Luis Lamar, brings a tranquil touch with his Zen-like approach to capturing octopuses on camera. As for Morgan, he serves as our amusing guide throughout the documentary.

Together, these individuals provide insights into Doris, an octopus that scientists have observed and recorded extensively over the years. Her unique characteristics – nine minds, three hearts, and eight tentacles – make us ponder if she possesses self-awareness. Other octopuses are also part of this study. Essentially, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the octopus, exploring aspects ranging from its bizarre traits to its remarkable adaptability and complex love life.

Humor Enhances the Story

The documentary “My Octopus Teacher” chronicles a man’s emotional rediscovery after a difficult period in his life, focusing on his unique bond with an octopus. This film not only showcases the incredible nature of the octopus but also the impact of human-octopus interaction. Narrated by Waller-Bridge, it skillfully combines informative insights and amusing moments. At times, animation is employed to emphasize certain points or advance the storyline, a technique that could have easily been overused and ruined the overall tone. However, the special effects are tastefully integrated, fitting harmoniously within the underwater setting.

The film not only provides insightful and emotional reflections on the octopus’ life stages, behaviors, and intelligence, but it also showcases a delightful sense of enjoyment from the creators. This documentary is unique in that it combines intellectual depth with an engaging, playful tone. The experts interviewed are serious yet light-hearted, and the same goes for the audience. It’s a joy to watch.

Octopus! premieres May 8 on Prime Video. Watch the trailer below.

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2025-05-07 23:18