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

83%

Tomatometer

63 Reviews

90%

Popcornmeter

500+ 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.

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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Maxance Vincent

Film Speak

5d

B-

Thanks to the on-screen talents of Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, Olivia Newman overcomes many of the inconsistencies that plague the filmed adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures and turns it into a relatively watchable affair.

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Keith Garlington

Keith & the Movies

May 19

3.5/5

Newman delivers a film adaptation that's full of charm, warmth, and hope. And it features a delightful Sally Field performance that will bring a tear to your eye and put a smile on your face.

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Tom Meek

Cambridge Day

May 18

2.5/4

It’s heartwarming for sure, but never maudlin. Field, a veteran presence, carries the film and knows when to cede the stage to her eight-armed co-star.

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Ken B

@RT33751181 2h

Imagine if you could marry 'It's A Wonderful Life' with the 'Wizard of Oz' and then filter it through 'Sixth Sense'- then you would have this movie. This movie is the best movie in DECADES- not years- DECADES. Sally Field CRUSHES it. Grab a box of tissue and some popcorn and be ready to have a movie bore a hole right through your heart and bury itself deep in your soul.

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Mike M.

@Muzman12 12h

Way better than I would have ever expected, great performances by Field and Pullman. Get your tissues ready!!

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Trae G.

@MovieManTrae 15h

Sally Field and Lewis Pullman deliver some remarkably beautiful and touching performances in this honestly way better than expected film! Honestly I haven’t cried this much in movie in a very long time! A must see for all!

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Darren B.

@moviefan66 17h

Sally Field carries this film. She is still an excellent actress.

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Evan I.

@WhyteTiger 17h

So sad but sweet. I guessed the ending right!

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Brando B.

@bbAllFreedomIsRelative 19h

This film was heartwarming and sweet a fable worth watching if not for one curse word this could be a movie to watch with young children. It is worth watching if you want a film with hope at the end.

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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)