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

75 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, 2026

3/4

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

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Lindsey Bahr

Associated Press

May 11, 2026

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, 2026

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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Brian Lowry

Status News

3 days ago

8/10

Directed and co-written by Olivia Newman, the film might have the outward trappings of a Hallmark movie or risk getting swept away in cloying sentimentality, but it manages to overcome that thanks to the strength of the performances.

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Alise Chaffins

The Dominion Post

Sep 25, 2026

4/5

The movie is predictable in how the story unfolds, but the strength of the performances keeps you engaged despite knowing how it will end.

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Javier Alejandro Ramos

Cinencuentro

Aug 19, 2026

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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kaiminations 4

@RT33028276 6 hrs ago

I'M CRYIIIIIING AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA IT'S BEAUTIFUL AAAAAAAAAAAAAH

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Donna P

@RT17038345 4 days ago

I watched this with my 11 year old granddaughter and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Heartwarming and we felt that this is a must see again and again.

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Moe Z

@RT82576957 5 days ago

Amazing story. Very touching!

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Annija V

@Avie2805 5 days ago

Might become one of my favorite movies, so amazing! Heart-wrenching and absolutely wholesome. Beautiful.

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Ryan O

@RT70997597 6 days ago

Absolutely fantastic movie; great cast (Sally Fields is always great), even better story. Didn’t even know this was a movie and really should be more well known or advertised. Hidden gem is an understatement. Drama, light comedy, and overall feel good!

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Jeff B

@BizNoir 6 days ago

Awesome movie! Great story and the octopus deserves an Oscar. So far my favorite movie of the year.

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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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