It’s a tale as old as time and yet it never fails to strike an emotional chord. National Geographic Documentary Films turns its lens on a special relationship between man and mammal in Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story. Premiering in the Documentary Spotlight section of the SXSW Film Festival, this heartwarming doc tells the story of a married and childless man, Billy, and the unlikely paternal bond he develops with a motherless young otter, Molly. Be prepared to be awestruck by the beauty of the remote islands of Scotland, where our protagonists call home, as well as astonished by the wonder of the natural world.

Much like the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher, Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story will leave a lasting impression that I’m convinced has the power to restore faith in humanity. Billy and his wife Susan live a simple life alone by the sea with their sheepdog, Jade. One day, while out on the dock near his house, Billy notices a young, malnourished otter who struggles to crack open a crab. Worried for her well-being and ability to survive on her own while so young, he takes it upon himself to feed the pup and provide her some sense of security. What unfolds in the days, weeks, and months thereafter is a love story that transcends species. With compassion and curiosity, Billy and Molly develop an unlikely relationship that ebbs and flows with joy and heartbreak and ultimately, saves them both.

As to be expected with a National Geographic-distributed film, the visuals are mesmerizing. The arctic waters crashing against the luscious green hills are truly a sight to behold. Drawing comparisons to the rolling landscape depicted in the 2022 stunner The Banshees of Inisherin, the Scottish island that Billy calls home seems to be heaven on earth. Further aiding in the location’s angelic quality is the score from Scottish composer Erland Cooper. A beautiful, emotionally persuasive violin score sets the tone of the film and encapsulates the whimsicalness and delicate nature of Billy and Molly’s story.

Connecting with nature and those who live in it is the central encouragement at the heart of Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story. In learning to trust the natural order of things, Billy lets go of the false sense of control he had in his own life. Embracing the role of “surrogate father” for a young otter isn’t what Billy imagined when he initially encountered Molly on the dock that day. Little did he know that a year later, he would be building an otter-sized replica house for Molly–whom he has started calling his “wee girl”–fitted with wifi and Polaroid pictures of Billy, his wife, and their dog, hanging on the wallpapered walls.

Directed by Charlie Hamilton James, Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story is a sincere, uplifting film that offers strong takeaways for both kids and adults alike. Through its strong storytelling arcs and memorable score, Billy and Molly teach us that friendship comes in all shapes, sizes, and species.