Watch the official trailer for our new Nat Geo documentary special: Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story.

Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story premieres May 6 on National Geographic and is available to stream on May 7 on Disney+/Hulu (US release dates only).

Produced by Silverback Films, and from Director Charlie Hamilton James and Producer Jeff Wilson, comes a timeless love story between a man and an otter set in the remote, wild Shetland archipelago in Scotland.

The documentary follows Billy, a salt-of-the-earth philosopher and Molly, a half-drowned, starving young female otter that Billy stumbles on one rainy evening in the Scottish subarctic. From there, an unlikely relationship begins that eventually saves them both. Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story is a remarkable story of trust, of joy and a shared love of the simple things in life.

Shot in 4K, the film captures the wild nature of the British Isles with its orcas, dolphin pods and migratory birds that come to feed on its ragged shorelines. Billy and Molly get to know each other amidst this backdrop they call home. Molly likes salmon, yellow buckets and playing in lobster pots. Billy likes shucking scallops, the feel of lichen on dry stone walls, and drinking tea. With Molly as his guide, Billy gains a heightened level of intimacy with the natural world in a way he didn’t know was possible. The film is an emotional journey, capturing the joy that accompanies a blossoming friendship and the heartbreak that comes when it’s time to part ways, as Molly must eventually relocate to go raise her otter pups.

“This film was the ultimate passion project for me, and simply a dream come true,” said director Charlie Hamilton James. “At its core, Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story is about love between man and wife, and man and otter, and for the natural world. We hope viewers will feel this love radiate when they watch the film.”

The film world premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin and continued its festival run at the Copenhagen International Documentary Festival (CPH:DOX) and DC Environmental Film Festival. It’s set to play at the San Francisco Film Festival (SFFILM) and Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival later this month. Critics have been sharing rave reviews so far:

“Has the power to restore faith in humanity.” – Cinemacy

“9/10…it should be one of 2024’s very best documentaries.” – Sunshine State Cineplex

“An emotional powerhouse of a documentary.” – Screen Zealots

“4/5…one of the most pleasant, ineffably lovable documentaries you will see all year.” – Disappointment Media

“The images are absolutely magical, with a unique and breath-taking photography direction…” – Amelie Magazine

“Molly is a star” – Film Festival Today

““…a wholesome family-friendly documentary…”  – Laughing Place