Remarkably Bright Creatures

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Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

86%

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77 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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Richard Roeper

NBC 5 Chicago

2 days ago

It’s a tricky concept, but director Olivia Newman pulls it off beautifully.

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Robert Levin

Newsday

May 11, 2026

3/4

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

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Lindsey Bahr

Associated Press

May 11, 2026

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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Leah J. Williams

ScreenHub

Oct 13, 2026

3.5/5

With Marcellus as a strange, slimy guide, Remarkably Bright Creatures presents a magical, occasionally hyperreal narrative that wraps you up in tiny octopus tentacles, every sucker like a little kiss.

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Brian Lowry

Status News

Oct 6, 2026

8/10

Directed and co-written by Olivia Newman, the film might have the outward trappings of a Hallmark movie or risk getting swept away in cloying sentimentality, but it manages to overcome that thanks to the strength of the performances.

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Alise Chaffins

The Dominion Post

Sep 25, 2026

4/5

The movie is predictable in how the story unfolds, but the strength of the performances keeps you engaged despite knowing how it will end.

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Angie M

@MadeInToledo43551 15 hrs ago

Beautiful movie with a heartwarming ending.

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Darren T

@RT66273844 4 days ago

I cried so much. I rarely cry at movies.

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Fifty T

@RT01421419 Nov 4, 2026

Warm, Witty and Wonderfully Human I loved this movie, and it's a little unexpected gem on Netflix. It is a warm and emotional drama that stays engaging despite its predictability and familiar feel-good tropes because its heart always feels genuine. Sally Field anchors the film with remarkable restraint, delivering one of the strongest performances of her recent career. Alfred Molina's narration as Marcellus is wonderfully witty, balancing sarcasm with surprising tenderness and giving the film much of its charm. Lewis Pullman was a first for me, and he brings warmth and vulnerability, elevating what could have been a stereotypical character. The mystery never surprises much, but the emotional connections, gentle humour and quiet optimism make it work on multiple levels. It's the kind of heartfelt film that quietly wins you over without forcing sentiment. 7.5/10: I'll happily recommend it to anyone seeking an uplifting, character-driven story with genuine emotional payoff.

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Henry T

@RT52434581 Oct 22, 2026

Top 5 best movies of 2026 so far, wonderful acting and storytelling, definite must watch of this year.

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Monica B

@Chartreusea Oct 19, 2026

You might need to be in the mood for this kind of movie, but I was, and it worked for me. If you love Sally Field she doesn’t let you down. I didn’t see the ending coming so it was a nice surprise for me. They only lose points for a few movie cliches I’ve been noticing regarding older people mixing with different generations. But overall wonderful movie- should have been released in theaters for sure.

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Pinoy Short R

@emill_santos Oct 15, 2026

Panalo. Pag kakita ko pa lang kay Sally Field for sure panonoorin ko to at hindi naman ako nabigo. Ganda ng kwento. Matagal tagal na din na di ko nakapanood ng heartwarming, feel good movie. Napaka unique din ng story line dun sa perception ng octopus

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Olivia Newman

Director

Sally Field

Tova

Lewis Pullman

Cameron

Colm Meaney

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Remarkably Bright Creatures: Trailer 1

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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)

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