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

84%

Tomatometer

70 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.

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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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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Lauren Veneziani

WBAL-TV (Baltimore)

Jun 2

4.5/5

One of the absolute best feel good films in years. Just when I thought my crying was over with, it hit me again! Sally Field is a complete treasure.

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Mitchell L

@RT48814051 6h

What a great movie. Sally Field will probably win an Oscar for this movie. It was a sweet and touching film. It captivated me. Go see it. You’re fall in love with it too. It had a great ending as well.

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Don B.

@Zimzala 9h

In case you needed more evidence that Sally Field is an actress who is always naturally believable from the first syllable

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Christian G.

@chrispresario 11h

Another beautiful story about the human condition. I will cherish this one for a while.

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John H.

@Jhollon 1d

Wonderfully narrated and beautifully made.

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Jay W

@RT52162311 2d

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" is a very cozy movie. The stakes are not very high, and the conflict is very minimal. It reminds me of something like "Summer of the Monkeys", where the hook to get people in is an unusual animal. This film may have an octopus, and he may narrate much of the story. But the movie isn't about an octopus any more than "Summer of the Monkeys" is about monkeys. It is about people and their connections with each other. The movie is a bit on the long side for what it is. Even with that extra time, some emotional outbursts feel unearned. The climax feels like it has fabricated tension. And there is a mystery element that should have been solved super quick, but it's stretched out for added drama.

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John S.

@LoneJohnny5 2d

A really good, heartwarming story. Lots of character growth, great acting and innovative approach.

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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)