Remarkably Bright Creatures

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2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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85%

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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

4d

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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Susan S

@lmgwlksonmtns 3h

LOVED the adaptation of the book. This movie was just lovely. Great performances all around.

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Luke L

@RT45190566 13h

This Movie Was almost phenomenal, great acting and very good shots. I didn't know anything about this movie and it's a great standout from others this year. The Cgi was alright at best. One of the only things making it a lower score. It felt like the love story's and the mystery helped progress the overall storyline of the movie. I would definitely recommend this film.

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Sherie C

@SherSher 1d

An touching and endearing story with great acting. We need more like these.

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Sean C

@MovieCos 3d

A three star rating is my rating for a solidly entertaining movie. It didn’t wow it didn’t disappoint. I feel it did exactly what it set out to. Sally was great and it is based on a great story.

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Lee C

@LeeIsMe 5d

Hallmark meets Disney. Pleasant enough shots of sea creatures, but story definitely predictable. Play it in the background while you make dinner, watch the rain fall, or fall asleep.

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Ava Y

@RT36118896 6d

This movie was adorable and heart warming, the dialogue at points is a little obvious and maybe to some cringy, however it’s very fitting for a movie based on a book and you can tell that they used lines and elements from it. I was interested and entertained the entire movie and thoroughly enjoyed the story. I would recommend and rewatch.

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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: 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)