Remarkably Bright Creatures

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2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

71 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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James Croot

The Post NZ

Jun 28

Between the sharp script, a spot-on ratio of laughs to tears, fabulous use of British Columbian scenery and a trio of pitch-perfect performances, you’ll be more than glad when you find this.

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Asia Frey

Lagniappe (Mobile, AL)

Jun 15

Sally Field anchors the lovable adaptation of the heartwarming novel "Remarkably Bright Creatures," a sentimental story about a no-nonsense older lady, a feckless young man and several twists of fate... it's a little cheesy but basically lovely.

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Mini Anthikad-Chhibber

The Hindu

Jun 9

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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Therese K

@ThereseKarsten 3h

Loved it— such a refreshing change from things blowing up and arterial bleeding

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diogo13 T

@Tua_mera 9h

As criaturas marinhas parecem conhecer a humanidade melhor do que nós, humanos.

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Ruby T

@rubess_13 2d

A beautifully wholesome and deeply heartwarming story of an elderly woman forming a lovely connection with a troubled young man after losing her son years prior, and an incredible plot twist at the end. All narrated by an intelligent octopus. Highly recommend!

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Adam D

@neph-lon 3d

The film doesn’t fit neatly into a box, multigenerational drama with shared trauma, in a small town all held together with the main characters that happens to be an octopus called Marcellus. Yes there are cliches, but it’s the coming together of two characters 2 generations apart that somehow help each other achieve their emotional catharsis that really helps you suspend all disbelief and ignore all other flaws.

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Joel B

@jbene11008 3d

Exceptionally good! Very enjoyable and. Entertaining.

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John E

@evanjohg123 4d

One of the best and nicest movies I have seen in a long time. Great story and great acting.

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Olivia Newman

Director

Sally Field

Tova

Lewis Pullman

Cameron

Colm Meaney

Ethan

Joan Chen

Janice

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Remarkably Bright Creatures: Trailer 1

2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures: Teaser

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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)