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

85%

Tomatometer

72 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

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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André Didyme-Dôme

Rolling Stone Mexico

2d

A warm and emotional drama that transcends its clichés thanks to an extraordinary cast and an unforgettable eight-tentacled narrator. [Full review in Spanish]

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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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Noel K

@nollaig 8h

One of the best adaptations of a book ever! If you loved the book, you will love the movie. Kudos to the director and Sally Field and and all of the cast but Alfred Molina in particular. Special movies are to be treasured.

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Michele A

@Rt567678904321 1d

Finally got around to watching the above last night, and what a lovely film really really enjoyed this. Sally Field and Lewis Pullman played their parts really well, our 8 legged/tentacled friend had superb CGI from what I can assume would have been a fairly low budget, but it all works and the story really comes together at the end.

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cricket

6d

Sally Field never disappoints. Lovely lovely Movie and ended beautifully! I highly recommend…

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cristo C

@RT35253462 Aug 9

Great plot. Great acting. Surprising twists. You will be thinking about this movie long after it ends. The last line of the movie takes the cake.

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J D

@JDub1 Aug 9

Stayed pretty true to the book! Very well done!

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Paul W

@Beschlawyerpaul Aug 9

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Sally Field must get an Oscar for her performance. Do not watch this movie without tissues. The acting by the entire task was tremendous. The scenery was amazing and makes you want to move to the town where this movie was set in. I have never written a movie review but I just joined Rotten Tomatoes to express my feelings. My spouse has not cried watching a movie in 10 years but he could not stop crying.

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Olivia Newman

Director

Sally Field

Tova

Lewis Pullman

Cameron

Colm Meaney

Ethan

Joan Chen

Janice

Kathy Baker

Mary Ann

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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)

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