Netflix’s wonderful new drama Remarkably Bright Creatures is a must-see this weekend

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You know how sometimes a movie just sneaks up on you and ends up sticking with you way more than the big blockbusters? That’s totally what happened with Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures. Seriously, I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s really good – I’d definitely recommend checking it out this weekend.

Sally Field, known for memorable roles in films like Forrest Gump and Mrs. Doubtfire, consistently delivers heartfelt and nuanced performances. She brings that same talent to the new film adaptation of a popular novel, and she’s joined by Lewis Pullman, who you may recognize from Thunderbolts and Top Gun: Maverick.

And viewers will definitely want to make sure they have tissues nearby.

Remarkably Bright Creatures tells the story of Tova Sullivan, a 70-year-old woman who lost her husband and son years ago. She works the night shift cleaning at an aquarium, still quietly grieving her losses. There, she develops a surprising friendship with Marcellus, a remarkably intelligent giant Pacific octopus (voiced by Alfred Molina), whose insightful narration adds a lot of heart and charm to the film.

The story opens with Tova facing a big decision: whether to leave her home in Sowell Bay and move to a retirement community, unsure of what the future holds. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Cameron, a young musician who comes to town hoping to uncover the truth about his birth parents.

Cameron and Tova lead very different lives. Tova is cautious and follows a strict routine, while Cameron is more impulsive and still figuring things out. When Cameron starts working at the aquarium, their paths cross, and they find themselves under the observant gaze of Marcellus, who seems intent on helping them both confront difficult truths. The story that unfolds is a moving and gentle exploration of loss, isolation, and the unexpected ways people can find connection.

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Sally Field gives a remarkable performance as Tova, portraying her with subtle emotion and careful detail. Her expressions quietly convey a lifetime of sadness, a testament to her skill as an experienced actress. Lewis Pullman is equally impressive as Cameron, bringing a touching vulnerability and honesty to his character’s journey to find where he belongs.

While the actors are all excellent, the movie truly shines thanks to Marcellus, voiced by Alfred Molina. He provides clever and surprisingly heartfelt commentary, offering a clear perspective amidst the humans’ emotional turmoil. Marcellus is humorous without being over-the-top, insightful without being overly sentimental, and deeply touching because he understands so much, especially as he approaches the end of his life.

What truly makes Remarkably Bright Creatures special is the friendship between Tova and Marcellus. Their bond isn’t based on big, dramatic moments, but on a quiet understanding, kind actions, and simply being there for each other. Both are dealing with loss – Tova grieves for her family, and Marcellus misses his home – and both feel stuck in their own ways. It’s truly heartwarming to see them find comfort and companionship in each other.

The movie thoughtfully unfolds its main mysteries. As Cameron investigates his history and Tova attempts to heal from hers, old secrets are revealed, adding emotional weight to the story. Ultimately, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a deeply moving film, showcasing kindness, understanding, and genuine emotion. By the end, you’ll likely feel connected to the characters as if they were real people, not just creations on screen.

Ultimately, the movie offers a comforting and surprisingly moving message: help often comes from the most unexpected places. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a gentle and heartwarming, but also subtly heartbreaking, film.

The latest issue of Living Legends, a beautiful, full-color 100-page tribute to Sir David Attenborough, is now available! You can purchase it at newsstands or online.

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2026-05-08 13:50