Remarkably Bright Creatures

Play trailer

2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

71 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.

Watch on Netflix

Stream Now

Critics Consensus

Grounded by a characteristically wonderful Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a sweet melodrama that tugs the heartstrings with admirable restraint.

Read Critics Reviews

Robert Levin

Newsday

May 11

3/4

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

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

Go to Full Review

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

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

Immy C

@ICB73 1d

It’s a slow burn and well worth it. Beautifully done. Packs a real punch at the end.

See more

Daphne S

@sagemango1777 2d

One of the best movies I have ever seen. I have recommended it to everyone.

See more

Kyle M

@RT77296778 3d

As the gentle, sentimentally observative drama progresses, the engagement thickens to fully uncover its intuitively subjected, hearteningly rewarding center with ideally underlying wisdom to meaningfully offer thanks to Field’s loving charisma and Pullman’s slightly heightened caliber signifying dynamically compatible gravitas. (B+)

See more

Charles S

@Coolguy1212 4d

Remarkably bright creatures is a heartfelt but predictable. There is one part that caught me off guard though. Overall heartfelt and made you feel nice and warm in the heart.

See more

Lin F

@RT15112158 6d

Shockingly better than I suspected. Sentimentality at its best. The Octopus steals the show. This is the film you watch when you need to push aside reality,

See more

Susan S

@lmgwlksonmtns Jul 3

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

See more

Read all reviews

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Olivia Newman

Director

Sally Field

Tova

Lewis Pullman

Cameron

Colm Meaney

Ethan

Joan Chen

Janice

Kathy Baker

Mary Ann

Living

96%

91%

Living

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Living

The Big Bend

100%

92%

The Big Bend

Watchlist

TRAILER

for The Big Bend

A/way

%

100%

A/way

Watchlist

Minari

98%

92%

Minari

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Minari

Aftersun

95%

82%

Aftersun

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Aftersun

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Remarkably Bright Creatures: Trailer 1

2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures: Teaser

0:42

View more videos

View more photos

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)