Remarkably Bright Creatures
The brief
Olivia Newman turns Shelby Van Pelt's beloved novel into a gentle tearjerker that somehow makes an octopus narrator feel completely natural rather than gimmicky. Sally Field delivers her most tender performance in years as a grieving widow who finds unexpected wisdom from Marcellus, while the aquarium setting creates an oddly soothing atmosphere that lets emotional moments breathe without feeling manipulative. The pacing moves like low tide, which works perfectly for this story about healing and second chances. If you loved *A Man Called Ove* or cried at *The Shape of Water*, this quiet charmer will wreck you in the best possible way.
The verdict
If you have patience for slow-burn character studies and don't mind crying over an octopus dispensing life advice, this is a beautifully crafted tearjerker anchored by Sally Field's luminous performance. If you need faster pacing or find the premise of a wise sea creature too whimsical for your taste, you'll likely find this more tedious than touching.
Watch with
- 👤 Perfect for a quiet evening alone or with someone close
- 👨👩👧👦 Great for family viewing with older kids
- ⚠️ Those seeking fast-paced action should skip
Heads up
- Themes of grief and loss of a child (moderate)
- Elderly character dealing with loneliness (brief)
- Sea life in captivity themes (implied)
Credits
- Director
- Olivia Newman
- Cast
- Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Alfred Molina, Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant
Official synopsis
A lonely elderly widow named Tova forms an unlikely friendship with a curmudgeonly cephalopod octopus named Marcellus, but unbeknownst to her, Marcellus is on a mission to solve a mystery that will heal the widow’s heart and lead her to a life-changing discovery.
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with The Pout-Pout Fish (2026)
Both feature unlikely animal friendships that transform lonely hearts.
