Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story

BILLY & MOLLY is an enthralling documentary about the unlike relationship between a retired older man who is living in retirement the lower half of the Arctic of the Shetland Islands, who is out in his boat one day and comes across a young orphaned river otter. Within days, Billy finds the hungry, out-of-her depth river otter who is out of her depth in the larger Shetland Islands and the rough sea water nearby. He begins to feed her and a bond ensues. Narrated by Billy & his wife, we see the Molly as she comes of age and learn to depend on Billy. Molly has tapped into a source of profound emotional attachment for this enchanting creature. He eventually builds Molly a house. Then one day, a male Otter comes calling and Molly disappears. Somewhat dismayed Billy learns to accept her disappearance, until one day she returns and in need of some fatherly support. There is never a false step in this emotionally involving documentary, which shows three distinct species interacting, all of them emotionally stirring. Molly is a compellingly sweet-natured creature, playful, charming, and Billy becomes the father he never quite managed to be in life. This is story shows how we connect deeply with the creatures that we encounter in life. Molly is pure joy and you can see the profound affect she has on Billy's life. But Billy's generosity is compelling, as is his wife's. You will not soon forget this lovely film. Kudos to National Geographic and their partners for creating something so pure and and heart-expanding.

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.

"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.

I love otters. LOVE them. So when my friend told me about this movie, I cleared my schedule and watched it that same night. It is such a heartwarming story - so beautifully shot, and beautifully told. I cry at anything involving animals and this was no exception - I cried for basically the whole last hour. Mostly happy tears, but still, just be warned that you might need tissues. The cinematography alone deserves an award, the landscapes are incredible and the scenes captured are truly breathtaking. I've never been to that part of Scotland but I immediately want to plan a trip there. If I happen to meet and fall in love with an otter, then so be it!

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.