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

73 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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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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André Didyme-Dôme

Rolling Stone en Español

Aug 14, 2026

A warm and emotional drama that transcends its clichés thanks to an extraordinary cast and an unforgettable eight-tentacled narrator. [Full review in Spanish]

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James Croot

The Post NZ

Jun 28, 2026

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.

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Polina L

@Polina15 6 hrs ago

I did not expect to love the movie so much. It is unique and different, with the octopus as the narrator and people the creatures who need to be directed in the right direction. To me the movie was just great, very very emotional with tears just dropping out of control. It’s a good story with strong moral messages. Friendship, relationships, responsibility, community. You forget that actors are actors, they play so well! Must watch!

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Lil L

@RT17448102 1 day ago

Gnarly yo, brah loved it.

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Brian D

@Brianwd2 1 day ago

69%. 6/13/26. Had all the bones of a truly touching, emotional film — just didn't quite get there. Sally Field is great as Tova, and her bond with Marcellus the octopus is the heart of the movie. Watching her relationship with Cameron grow before discovering he's her late son's son is also genuinely sweet. The standout sequence - Tova releasing Marcellus into the ocean, spotting the ring, and putting it all together — is beautifully done, made even better by Cameron showing up right after and her telling him what she's figured out. The pieces were all there, and it landed well, I just didn't love the path getting there. 2/5 rewatch

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Kathleen A

@RT73466463 2 days ago

Welp, I’m crying. What a touching story. Every actor in this movie was fabulous. Man… why am I still tearing up!

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Stacie F

@RT23461754 2 days ago

A truly wonderful movie

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av 8

@anagha.vinay 6 days ago

Normalize letting grandmas fuss over things that don't harm us because you never know how much they need it. Sometimes, it is an absolute treat to jump right into movies without a clue about it. The movie was initially laggy, but it still helped create a soft corner for our mundane characters. There is something surreal and beautiful about minimalism and talking octopuses. The movie is more than what it seems to be on the surface. Although all the circumstances are infuriatingly, oddly in favour, it still tells a touching story of longing, of hope, of loneliness, of courage and strength, and of love.

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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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