Member-only story
“Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story” is undoubtedly one of the most powerful nature documentaries of 2024. Directed and filmed by the talented Charlie Hamilton James, this documentary captivates viewers with its delicate emotional expression and stunning natural landscapes, taking them on an unforgettable visual and spiritual journey. It reminds me of the Oscar-winning documentary “My Octopus Teacher” (which is my favorite documentary about the relationship between humans and animals), except this time, one of the main characters is an adorable female otter.
The story takes place on the picturesque and remote Shetland Islands in Scotland, a location that exudes tranquility. Billy, a retired elderly man who is married but childless, finds himself living in solitude despite the company of his wife. At a crossroads in his life, he encounters Molly, a young otter who has either been abandoned or lost her mother. Molly, who is likely less than six months old, unexpectedly drifts to Billy’s jetty, and her arrival is far more than a mere chance encounter.
The documentary is narrated by Billy and his wife, allowing us to witness Molly’s growth and the…
