Remarkably Bright Creatures

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2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

59 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

4d

3/4

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

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Lindsey Bahr

Associated Press

4d

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

5d

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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Michael Cook

KLRT-TV

2h

8.5/10

This movie is gonna get you in the feels. You'll tear up a couple of times because there is good emotional payoff. It [the film] is so well-crafted and Sally Field is a fantastic actor, at 80 years old and still cranking it out.

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Dustin Chase

Galveston Daily News

9h

B

"Remarkable Bright Creatures" boasts terrific performances from Field and Pullman.

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Susan Granger

SSG Syndicate

1d

6/10

Sluggish, silly and sappy, it's a murky melodrama that' predictable from start to finish.

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G Campbell R

@RT27872360 2h

An unusual scenario but superb acting and a wonderful story makes this a great film.

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Jack L

@RT86355031 7h

Not at all my usual watch, but had me in tears by the end. A touching, if not a little soppy and cutely predictable, tale about grief, community, identity and what it means to live after loss. The talking octopus is certainly a choice, and sometimes his lines feel like they were ripped straight out of r/iamverysmart Sally Blake hard carries.

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Phil T

@PhilTabor 12h

Not at all my sort of movie, but thoroughly enjoyed it. Great performance from Sally Field, a bit of a sappy storyline, but supported by some beautiful scenery. Somewhat predictable ending, but overall a very good movie.

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John F.

@TunaBoat 17h

I loved the book. The movie is great too.

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L. C.

@MissMarple 19h

Beautifully made - great casting & theatric storytelling throughout! Would recommended to all ages & watch again!

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Barbara H

@Barbhilde 19h

Sally Field is a delight!

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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: Peter Craig
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)