The Otter Half — On “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story”

It is so rare that one finds a true, pure love that it seems like whenever it does happen, poets and authors quickly grab their pens. Love is indeed the challenge of humanity, something everyone desires, but is hard to find and very hard to grow – a delicate balance between give and take, independence and dependence, and hold and let go. It is something that can only be learned by mutual trust, compatibility and devotion.

Billy Mail was able to experience this profound, genuine love with an otter named Molly, who became much more than just an animal. Under the masterful directing of Charlie Hamilton-James, “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story” is a National Geographic documentary special streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. It proves that the right person, or otter in this case, can cultivate a transformative relationship that awakens an individual’s passion, redirects purpose and nourishes growth.

Molly first caught Billy’s eye when he found her on the docks digging her paws into the spare shreds of meat in a crab. He noticed her gaunt and gossamer appearance. Most of all, however, he noticed that she was alone. This feeling of isolation and vulnerability resonated with one of Billy’s childhood memories, as he recalls, “When Molly turned up, and she was all alone, that whole feeling came back to me of that notion of being alone in the world and not having anybody to help you. And so I think, it comes from a deep-rooted empathy and understanding of what it feels like.” Billy, a gentle animal lover, felt inclined not to let this little otter struggle on her own, and so started their relationship.

Susan Mail, Billy’s supportive wife and the narrator of the documentary said, “I think initially I was quite scared of it [Molly].” However, Molly’s playful, curious nature, helped by her lovable face with shining black eyes and glossy dark fur, quickly won the whole family over, including the Mails’ dog, Jade. In no time, Molly became almost part of the family as Billy took on a fatherly role and the Mails experienced both the ups and downs of having a daughter from teenage angst and rebellion to the Bozo boyfriend to a sense of wonder. While the Mails had always loved children, it had never been the right time for them. Molly’s presence was the missing part of the puzzle that helped heal this sense, as she was without parents or a family.

Besides taking on the part of the daughter in the family, Molly reignited a long-dormant connection of Billy to wildlife, a passion from his youth that had faded with time due to lifestyle changes. “Molly put me back in touch with wildlife and a part of me that had become dormant for so many years,” he said, emphasizing the profound impact this otter had on his life. His empathy and deep understanding of Molly’s needs brought him a renewed sense of purpose and joy. “I learned so much from observing her, from her behavior and resilience,” Billy added. Molly did not just touch him from a personal standpoint, but also from an educational standpoint. It gave Billy the opportunity to study this curious creature and learn the beauty of the lives of otters.

Susan’s relationship with Molly also evolved significantly over time. Initially apprehensive, she grew to appreciate the unique dynamic that Molly brought into their lives. “You get to know something and understand how it reacts in different circumstances,” she said. Susan’s narration of the documentary provided an intimate perspective, adding emotional depth and authenticity to the story. “Telling our story was challenging at times, but ultimately very rewarding,” she said.

However, it was not just the Mail family that Molly impacted. Charlie Hamilton-James’ wildlife expertise added a significant layer to the project as he is knowledgeable about otters and he expressed how this particular film was a uniquely rewarding experience for him. “Normally when you make a film, it’s stressful… This was just lovely all the way through,” he shared. His admiration for Molly was seen as he described the rare opportunity to observe her fishing underwater, showing the unique nature of their encounters. “For me, the highlight was watching Molly fishing underwater because it’s so incredibly rare you get that opportunity to actually watch a wild otter hunting,” Charlie explained, emphasizing how special these moments were.

For the whole documentary team, Molly’s journey from a vulnerable, lone otter to a mother herself was particularly poignant. “She’s a really good mom,” Susan noted, reflecting on the times Molly prioritized feeding her baby over herself. This maternal behavior and Molly’s subsequent independence encapsulated the circle of life and growth that Billy had missed out on. Watching Molly care for her offspring brought a sense of fulfillment and closure to Billy’s experiences with longing and loss. “It was incredibly rewarding to see her take on that role and do it so well,” Billy said with pride.

In the end, “Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story” is more than a documentary – it’s a reminder of the unexpected forms that love can take and the incredible ways in which it can transform lives. Through the storytelling of Charlie, Billy, Susan and, especially, Molly show us that love, in all its forms, is a powerful tool of healing and connection. Their story is a poignant reminder that sometimes, the most profound relationships come from the most unexpected places, bringing joy, growth and a deeper understanding of the world around us.