Remarkably Bright Creatures

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2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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84%

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69 Reviews

90%

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1,000+ 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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Mini Anthikad-Chhibber

The Hindu

2d

Sally Field brings gravity and grace to this adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 novel, making it a tender, uneven but often rewarding film about grief, connection, and an unusually intelligent octopus

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Lauren Veneziani

WBAL-TV (Baltimore)

Jun 2

4.5/5

One of the absolute best feel good films in years. Just when I thought my crying was over with, it hit me again! Sally Field is a complete treasure.

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Robert W. Butler

Butler's Cinema Scene

Jun 2

B

I don’t know what bugs me the most: that Remarkable Bright Creatures is so overtly manipulative or that most of the time that manipulation works.

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Joni K.

@Jonken55 1d

It was so beautiful.I loved it so much.Best movie I have watched this year.

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Marcel P.

@Mpappala 2d

Interesting perspective

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nilufer E

@Nilicim 2d

Remarkably Bright Creatures is a warm, heartfelt story about grief, connection, and second chances. Sally Field is wonderful, and Marcellus the octopus is every bit as charming as you'd hope. Predictable at times, but so sincere and emotionally rewarding that I didn't mind at all. A genuinely lovely film.

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Candace D

@RT01047037 2d

Im so used to saying, "They don't make movies like that anymore", but this movie had me doubting that statement. I guess every once in awhile they can indeed make a movie like they used to-- a movie with a heart, a soul and a powerful message. It also helps when that movie has Sally Fields.

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rob B

@Robbbbie 2d

I loved this movie! I wasn't sure I would like it and worried it would be corny or saccharine. It is neither. Smart, touching, and funny, it was an absolute delight to spend 2 hours in this beautifully crafted world that reminded me of so much of what is a precious in this life. I will never eat octopus again!

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JC J

@JC1212 2d

Fantastic movie. Acting was great. I may not have watched it if it weren't for the fantastic Sally Field.

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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)