Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story

If you liked “My Octupus Teacher”, you’ll love this documentary.

It’s set in the rugged cliffs, stormy seas, and haunting beauty of Shetland (Scottish Islands).

It’s got the Northern Lights, Viking fires and a tear-jerking twist.

Thanks to my sister Elizabeth Kelly for telling me about this doc.

I rank “Billy & Molly” #1 in my list of “Documentaries Like My Octopus Teacher” (up to 7!)

Thx and enjoy!

Trailer for “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story”

Watch “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story”

You can watch “Billy & Molly” for free on YouTube here:

…or watch “Billy & Molly” on:

You can find the latest streaming options at https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/billy-and-molly-an-otter-love-story

Ratings:

My Rating: 94/100
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes Ratings: 97/100 (Users); /100 (Critics)

Release Date: May 6, 2024

My Review of “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story”

A man, an otter, and a love story that will melt your heart.

Charlie Hamilton James’s “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story” (2024, 77 minutes) is a documentary that sneaks up on you.

You think you’re in for cute otter antics. You are. But you’re also getting a profound meditation on love, loss, and connection.

Billy Mail lives on the Shetland Islands with his wife Susan. One rainy night, he spots a malnourished otter pup struggling on his dock.

He names her Molly. Feeds her. Builds her a mini-house. Complete with wifi and Polaroids on the walls.

The doc follows their unlikely bond over months. Billy’s paternal instincts kick in hard. Susan narrates, giving us insight into her husband’s emotional journey.

We see Molly grow. Learn to fish. Meet a mate (Billy dubs him “Bozo”). It’s nature in 4K glory.

But this isn’t just an otter highlight reel. It’s about Billy finding purpose. Rediscovering his love for wildlife.

Hamilton James lived next door during filming. He, Billy, and Susan formed a tight-knit group. They still chat daily on WhatsApp.

The Shetlands themselves are a character. Stormy seas. Northern Lights. A landscape that breeds both isolation and connection.

Erland Cooper’s score is a standout. Haunting violin perfectly captures the film’s emotional core.

There’s humor too.

Billy’s text updates to Susan about Molly’s latest antics are endearing. And watching Susan warm to their “wee girl” is a joy.

The doc doesn’t shy away from hard truths. Molly is wild. She must leave. Billy’s struggle with this is palpable.

We see Molly become a mother herself. It’s a full-circle moment that brings closure to Billy’s journey.

“Billy & Molly” is a reminder of nature’s power to heal and transform.

Thanks for reading!

Rob Kelly, Chief Maniac, Daily Doc