Remarkably Bright Creatures

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Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

85%

Tomatometer

74 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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Alise Chaffins

The Dominion Post

6 days ago

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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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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Benjamin W

@Code70 1 day ago

Probably my favorite streaming movie of the year, so far. Remarkably Bright Creatures is how you do melodrama right, for the most part. It goes a little over-the-top at some points, crossing the line between emotional and cringe, but most of the time, it walks that line rather well, and there’s some legitimately poignant and touching stuff in here. Sally Field and Lewis Pullman are great here, just the kind of performances the film needed in order to work. If they weren’t good, the film wouldn’t be. I also thought the way they used the narrative was pretty clever, something that’s unique and different while offering sly social commentary on modern day society, and why we do the things we do. It won’t be a film I rewatch all of the time, nor will it be the most memorable. But it’s got great acting with quite a bit of emotional heft. For me, that’s quite enough.

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Taylor D

@RT35155361 2 days ago

Riveting, tear-jerker- but happy tears.

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Linda C

@RT98493232 2 days ago

Very well done movie. Good acting. Nice way the brought the octopus to life. I cried and was intrigued by story and the mystery and loved the ending.

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Jaimee H

@RT68859012 6 days ago

The movie was just as beautiful as the book.

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Matthew M

@RT84590199 Sep 24, 2026

Best movie I've seen this year.

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meg G

@RT27715794 Sep 22, 2026

Turned this on randomly, expected a lighthearted movie only to be sobbing at the end. Watching the character growth from Tova and Cameron is so heart warming. Marcellus being the narrator is amazing. Truly a touching, one of a kind movie, something you don’t see often nowadays. Definitely a must watch.

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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

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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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