Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story

"Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story," is arguably one of the most life-affirming films of 2024. Think of the Academy Award-winning documentary, "My Octopus Teacher" (2020), except one of the principal characters is a cuddly female Otter.

In brief, Billy & Molly is a true story about a married, childless man, "Billy," and the beautiful bond he develops with a young recently orphaned Otter, whom he names, "Molly." Billy's love for Molly grows nearly exponentially as the film unfolds. Some might say Billy is overly obsessed with Molly. But I think it's far bigger than that.

Man and Nature have always shared a very dense and complex relationship, but Billy and Molly's connection is unusually pure and simple. Basically, Molly needs Billy to survive, yet, as their mutual trust develops, Billy suddenly discovers how much he actually needs Molly too. Their unique connection reflects a universal theme that surely will resonate with anyone who has a genuine respect and admiration for nature, and an understanding of our own important role as the default "Custodians of Planet Earth."

To quote Charlie Hamilton James, the brilliant director and director of photography, "We've got a happy story. My hope is that people walk out with a smile on their face, and they're enlightened in some way, and for a few brief moments in this current world, they can smile and be happy."

No spoilers here as usual, but I will reveal that Billy and Molly was filmed entirely in Scotland's Shetland Islands, and the striking cinematography is stunningly stark yet nakedly beautiful.

This lovingly shot documentary about a man who helps a young otter washed up on his boat ramp on Shetland Island is the most tranquil and beautiful movie experience I've ever had. Narrated by the couple who aided the otter, this film not only tells the story of two people and an adorable otter, it also showcases the stunning scenery of the Shetlands with superb cinematography. The score also deserves a mention.

Watching this movie was a beautiful experience. I could feel peace and calm descend over me as I watched the narrative of Billy and Molly unfold. In these turbulent times this is the balm, the respite I needed.

A mind craft of directing, underwater photography and a drone, in bright colors like Shetland has never seen before. Also the humans in the movie Billy and his wife, who are both also the narrators in the background of the events, with philosophical thoughts about life, love, the connection to the OTTER, Billy's devotion and tenderness, as that he never had children, heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure. This film deserves more nominations and exposure. Get the tissues ready. I personally empathized with Billy and his feeling of jealousy when Molly moved away from his grasp to hook up with a male OTTER. That's exactly how I felt with my cat, who disappeared for two days and broke my heart, until he came home.

I do love most animals. Looking at them anyway. I would care for one under the right circumstances.

Billy is the human. Molly is the otter.

Billy cares for a young otter he names Molly. She grows dependent on him, and becomes friendly with him. She becomes independent and self sufficient over time.

National Geographic is known for picturesque photography of wildlife and nature. Occasionally they produce wildlife films. I have seen a few. This ranks up there in their top 5 or 10.

It may get a 10 from me if I feel compelled to watch again. I just finished watching it before writing this. It is very good. Great pacing, beautifully shot, almost each scene is a beautiful photo.

Narrated well. The pacing is slow, but as soon as we see close ups of the otter, your joy and excitement will pick up.

Billy, his wife, and the poor dog, who is starving for attention, are the supporting characters. You feel for Billy, but the main star is Mollie the otter.

Again a surprise magical movie that is a documentary stylized as a story. Which it is. Enjoy. This is for all ages.

What a wonderful story this was, I'm so glad I ran across this. Absolutely something that you can watch with your kids.

This heartwarming story will take you on a journey of a lost otter, who finds a new friend. This was so wonderfully done, part documentary, and part story. No surprises, no ugliness, just pure joy.

If this is what National Geographic looks like on Disney, I love it. I'm hoping that there's more stories like this that can come to light.

Through the process, you also learn a bit about otters and realize that we should be soaking in the beauty of nature around us. Probably something that we forget, quite often given our hectic daily lives.