Remarkably Bright Creatures

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2:10

Remarkably Bright Creatures

PG-13

May 2026

1h 51m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

76 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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Leah J. Williams

ScreenHub

1 day ago

3.5/5

With Marcellus as a strange, slimy guide, Remarkably Bright Creatures presents a magical, occasionally hyperreal narrative that wraps you up in tiny octopus tentacles, every sucker like a little kiss.

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Brian Lowry

Status News

Oct 6, 2026

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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John S

@RT90605809 2 days ago

For a long time I avoided this movie. How do you make a serious, touching, human-interest story about an octopus? I finally read the other reviews, though, and figured what the heck, I'll try it -- and my wife and I were enthralled. The other reviews were correct. This is a beautiful movie from start to finish. The story is great, the acting is great, the characters are very likeable and yep, it's very emotional. I could watch it again.

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kaiminations 4

@RT33028276 4 days ago

I'M CRYIIIIIING AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA IT'S BEAUTIFUL AAAAAAAAAAAAAH

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Donna P

@RT17038345 Oct 5, 2026

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 Oct 4, 2026

Amazing story. Very touching!

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Annija V

@Avie2805 Oct 4, 2026

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

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Ryan O

@RT70997597 Oct 4, 2026

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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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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