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

73 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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Javier Alejandro Ramos

Cinencuentro

5d

Made with a firm but thoughtful hand, not without emotion, the film's approach focuses on the possibility of rebuilding wounded hearts, and the great merit of this lies in the performance of the cast members. [Full review in Spanish]

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André Didyme-Dôme

Rolling Stone en Español

Aug 14

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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Aly G

@Aly13G 3d

Heartfelt story of a cleaning lady and a young boy who met in an aquarium.

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Caroline G

@RT90426919 4d

If you read the book, you’ll find this lacking the charm and emotions from the book. The changes they made to adapt the book into a movie script felt sloppy and lazy, it severely affected the plot and the characters.

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April G

@RT99147870 Aug 18

I loved this movie! It kept me intrigued. I was feeling so many emotions during this movie. It was a little slow at times but all in all I enjoyed the story and the acting! 💜

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Noel K

@nollaig Aug 17

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 Aug 15

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

Aug 11

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

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Olivia Newman

Director

Sally Field

Tova

Lewis Pullman

Cameron

Colm Meaney

Ethan

Joan Chen

Janice

Kathy Baker

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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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