In a synchronized approach, a team of sinewy forms descend upon two smaller and docile ones. A low rumble accompanies this movement and the very surface ripples. The impending doom is clear. This scene shifts to one in which an assortment of creatures whose vibrant colors are only matched by their cartoonishly unusual features. This is not CGI laden science fiction but something far more fascinating, the vast environment of global waters and inhabitants of Our Oceans. This fascinating Netflix five-part documentary series explores the varied neighborhoods and lifeforms in a part of planet Earth which is still largely separated from direct human interaction. To establish a more accessible emotional connection to the drama, humor, and epic quality of this narrative exploration, the creators of Our Oceans utilized the compositional mastery of Ho-Ling Tang. Her majestic and sensitive musical creations for this series placed her alongside such icons as Hans Zimmer, Trent Reznor, and others in nominations for the Hollywood Music in Media Award 2025. This Primetime Emmy Award Winning series is currently available to the public on Netflix. The visual and audio experience of Our Oceans establishes that planet Earth supersedes any computer-generated sensation in organic splendor.
Every fantasy finds its original concept in reality. It’s a logical conclusion that the fascinating places and creatures of science fiction were originally inspired by the those of the oceans. Each possessing its own conflicts and oddities, what might initially seem quite foreign can transform into an empathic journey through the conduit of music. Ms. Tang’s contributions are profound in this application to the narratives of Our Oceans. These musical moments allow the audience to inhabit the feelings and experiences of such creatures as an octopus, a giant trevally, elephant seals, and far more unfamiliar lifeforms. The musical instruments and their melodic adventures mirror those of these water inhabitants and are essential to the transportive qualities of this documentary series. One of the most captivating moments of the entire series occurs on the water’s edge of one of America’s largest cities. Jellyfish, squid, and varieties of fish which possess the ability to generate bioluminescence are a dazzling spectacle off one of the most well-known piers in Los Angeles. Manufacturing their own nighttime lightshow, string melodies supply the dance track of their grace and splendor. The pairing of floating melodies and organic nature choreography is transcendent and unpredictable in the most appealing of ways. A far more relatable mood is achieved in another scene involving two polar bear cubs and their mother on an outing. Imbued with a sense of childhood playfulness, a score populated by chimes, a ukulele, and strings communicates the innocence of these young cubs. When one of them is in danger of being lost on an iceberg, low strings hint at impending tragedy. The entire series is comprised of varied moments like this with a host of unique lifeforms, each accompanied by its own highly memorable musical complement.
Stunning is the only apt description of the visual imagery of this production. To balance this and help establish the proper emotional tone, composer Ho-Ling Tang took a literal metaphorical approach. She describes, “From the very beginning, it was always our goal to create something uniquely set apart from all other documentaries of this subject matter. In early discussions with directors Jonathan Smith, the decision to take an eclectic approach was made. I composed musical metaphors for each scene that would establish a tone of familiarity and recognizability for the creatures and their experiences. Just as important was the ability to quickly pivot musically. One moment there might be a lush orchestral piece and then it could immediately transition into surf rock or even a Western themed approach ala Ennio Morricone. In doing so, we gave respect and a distinct identity to each ‘story’ rather than homogenizing the music with one all-encompassing theme.” Throughout the five hours of this documentary series, each episode traverses several different musical genres, all with original compositions. This testifies to the immense talent of Ho-Ling Tang. The narration (courtesy of President Barak Obama) the stunning visual language, and the diverse musical palette of Our Oceans makes it an enjoyable and enlightening journey for those of any age or background.
Writer : Emily Mayer