Remarkably Bright Creatures

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2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

83%

Tomatometer

63 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

A widow who works at a local aquarium finds joy again when she forms an unlikely bond with a giant Pacific octopus and a wayward young man who comes to town in search of family. Together, they uncover a mystery that will lead them to a life-changing discovery and restore their sense of wonder.

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Critics Consensus

Grounded by a characteristically wonderful Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a sweet melodrama that tugs the heartstrings with admirable restraint.

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Robert Levin

Newsday

May 11

3/4

Wonderful acting and a touching story. What more could you need?

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Lindsey Bahr

Associated Press

May 11

2.5/4

Its impact may even sneak up on you, not even for the mechanics of the big ending which is a bit of an eyeroll, but simply watching Tova and Cameron find their own emotional catharsis. Luckily, in the comfort of your home, the tissues will be nearby.

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Matt Zoller Seitz

RogerEbert.com

May 10

When the film escapes the confinement tank of its numerous hand-me-down cliches, you’re happy to follow the water trail to see where it leads.

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Maxance Vincent

Film Speak

4d

B-

Thanks to the on-screen talents of Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, Olivia Newman overcomes many of the inconsistencies that plague the filmed adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures and turns it into a relatively watchable affair.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

5d

3.5/5

Newman delivers a film adaptation that's full of charm, warmth, and hope. And it features a delightful Sally Field performance that will bring a tear to your eye and put a smile on your face.

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Tom Meek

Cambridge Day

6d

2.5/4

It’s heartwarming for sure, but never maudlin. Field, a veteran presence, carries the film and knows when to cede the stage to her eight-armed co-star.

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R T

@RT69256119 52m

This movie stands out from the rest. It has true meaning and will make you feel happy and sad. The acting was stellar from this superbly picked cast.

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Janet T.

@RT44684739 2h

Great touching movie. Not what I had expected to happen. Great for family night.

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James M

@RT66144318 3h

Remarkably Bright Creatures is touching and visually attractive. The narrative, by Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus, is not as charming as it might seem, but the relationship with Tova (Sally Field) is. Yes, it is predictable and sentimental, but the journey was well worth it.Once I got over how much Lewis Pullman (Cameron) looked like his father I was able to see him for the talent he brought to the relationship with Oscar winning actress Field. He held his own. The cast is rounded out with some pretty heavy hitting actors like Alfred Molina, Colm Meaney, Kathy Baker and the great Joan Chen.

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Brad C

@bradchatellier 10h

It's ridiculous and implausible, but full of heart, and how can you not love Sally Field?

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Sandy W

@RT85751868 10h

Beautiful movie and a real tear jerker....love it!!!!

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Walter W

@RT71869229 11h

Watching "Remarkably Bright Creatures" on Netflix is far better than watching algae grow. Bonds form during night shifts at an aquarium. Here an elderly widow (Sally Fields), learns of a life-changing discovery that may bring her joy and wonder once again. Yet again Fields reminds me of what a marvellous actress she truly is, because you won’t ever see her act, but you will see her inhabit the skin of a character like an alien would use a meat puppet as a host. She takes my breath away as "Tova". Somebody, somewhere please give this woman her third Oscar! Are your Spidey senses tingling? They should be because Alfred Molina, who provides the narrative voice of the octopus, also played Dr. Octopus in the Spider-Man movies, whilst Sally Field played Aunt May Parker in the alternate Sony "Spider-Man" universe. Big shout out to director Olivia Newman who helped write the script that ties this movie together, based on the book by Shelby Van Pelt.

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Olivia Newman

Director

Sally Field

Tova

Lewis Pullman

Cameron

Colm Meaney

Ethan

Joan Chen

Janice

Kathy Baker

Mary Ann

Remarkably Bright Creatures: Trailer 1

2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures: Teaser

0:42

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Synopsis

A widow who works at a local aquarium finds joy again when she forms an unlikely bond with a giant Pacific octopus and a wayward young man who comes to town in search of family. Together, they uncover a mystery that will lead them to a life-changing discovery and restore their sense of wonder.

Director: Olivia Newman
Producer: Bryan Unkeless, Peter Craig, David Levine
Screenwriter: Olivia Newman, John Whittington
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Netflix Studios
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 8, 2026, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 8, 2026
Runtime: 1h 51m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)