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

71 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

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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James Croot

The Post NZ

Jun 28

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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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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J M

@JMovie47 8h

Fabulous movie! A return to the kind of movies that were once made. A good story! Great acting! Good writing! Feel-good moments! Yay! Sally Field is excellent, but then, she always is. Set in a small-town fishing village in the Pacific NW, it's where you'd want to live if you were looking for small-town coastal life. Thoroughly enjoyed.

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Keith Peter M

@kmcx8 1d

"Remarkably Bright Creatures" presents a blue-collar, small-town slice of life. And an octopus. The theme of personal shortcomings and unfulfilled relationships gets wrapped up, concluding a little too pefectly. It's a touching story, the acting was good, but in the end, the movie did not completely suspend my disbelief.

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Renaldo D

@RT30888824 1d

Sensitive, simple, and beautiful.

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Sam S

@RT54785907 2d

Awesome story and acting. Refreshing.

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Ed C

@EddyC 2d

Sweet show, just sit back and watch.

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Ray L

@RT17291655 2d

Absolutely love this film I don't normally watch this sort of film but I'm sure glad I did

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Olivia Newman

Director

Sally Field

Tova

Lewis Pullman

Cameron

Colm Meaney

Ethan

Joan Chen

Janice

Kathy Baker

Mary Ann

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Remarkably Bright Creatures: Trailer 1

2:10

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)