Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026) Review!!

Synopsis – Through unlikely bonds formed during night shifts at a local aquarium, Tova, an elderly widow, learns of a life-changing discovery that may bring her joy and wonder once again.

My Take – At first glance, this Netflix feature simply seemed like a new variation on The Shape of Water (2017), however, the film quickly revealed itself to be something very different. And what unfolds is a poignant, familiar, and heartfelt narrative that uses the unique perspective of an octopus to craft a story that is, ironically, deeply human.

An adaptation of a New York Times bestselling novel by author Shelby Van Pelt, whose debut spent more than 64 weeks on the publication’s hardcover fiction bestseller list, and more than 30 weeks and counting on the trade paperback fiction bestseller list, this latest directorial from Olivia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing), who co-wrote the film with screenwriter John Whittington (Swapped, Sonic the Hedgehog 3) is as much a sugary and sentimental tale as it is a moving account of love and grief.

Sure, the writing could have benefited from bolder character choices and tighter pacing, yet despite these shortcomings, the film manages to stir genuine emotion on multiple occasions. Viewers may be drawn in by the sardonic octopus and his elderly companion, but they will stay for the touching story of people rediscovering themselves when all seems lost.

It offers a small but powerful sense of hope, the kind we all need right now, and it is a film worth recommending. There is something profoundly moving about watching lonely individuals reconnect through simple acts of kindness. The film carries a gentle warmth rather than thrills, but sometimes warmth is exactly what is required.

Narrated by a giant Pacific octopus, named Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), who misses the quiet of the bottom of the sea. Now, housed at an aquarium in Sowell Bay, a sea-side small-town, the aging octopus has formed an unlikely bond with the cleaning lady Tova (Sally Field) who comes in the evening, after the crowd of day-time visitors leave. Drawing on his immense wisdom and sensitivity, Marcellus is aware of the grief that Tova, an elderly widow, carries in her heart and is resolute on healing her.

That healing begins with the arrival of Cameron (Lewis Pullman), a drifter in his thirties who has come to town in search of the father he has never met. And when Tova suffers an injury, Cameron steps in as her replacement at the aquarium. As the two spend more time together, they gradually uncover each other’s histories and confront the traumas of their pasts, learning and growing through the bond they form.

It is rare to see a film explore the bond between adult men and women in a purely platonic context, which makes the relationship between Tova and Cameron feel refreshing. Their connection grows into something familial rather than romantic, and the film balances somber themes with a cozy warmth. Both characters lead lives marked by sadness—loss of family, disconnection from friends, and a struggle to find reasons to keep going. At times, this makes the story difficult to watch, yet the film wisely avoids offering any neat solutions. Trauma lingers, and healing is shown as gradual rather than absolute.

Shot in Vancouver’s Deep Cove, the film has a postcard-like beauty that softens its darker subject matter. The picturesque setting lends credibility to its themes of grief and renewal through human connection. If there is a shortcoming, it lies in the role of Marcellus, the octopus. While Alfred Molina’s voice work is delightful and his presence adds humor and poignancy, the narrative sometimes sidelines him, only to reintroduce him when convenient. He is meant to be the linchpin of Tova and Cameron’s arcs, but his integration into the story feels uneven.

Predictability is another issue. The film telegraphs its secrets early, and viewers will likely anticipate revelations long before the characters do. Yet despite this, the performances keep the story grounded. The cast brings sincerity to scenes that might otherwise veer into sentimentality, ensuring that even familiar beats resonate. Ultimately, the film’s greatest strength is its gentle, cozy nature. It is a story about healing and human connection, and while it may not surprise, it comforts. Sometimes, that is exactly what we need.

The film’s emotional weight is carried in large part by Sally Field and Lewis Pullman. Field embodies Tova with quiet conviction, her modest and realistic portrayal marked by the persistent sadness in her eyes. She never overstates the grief, which makes her performance all the more affecting.

Pullman, meanwhile, brings warmth and believability to Cameron, the reclusive drifter with a heart of gold. His arc is unexpectedly moving, and he plays the character with a sincerity that makes his gradual transformation feel earned.

The romantic subplot with Avery, a local paddle‑boarder played by Sofia Black‑D’Elia, may feel slightly forced, but her charm ensures it works within the broader narrative. Supporting turns from Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, and Beth Grant add texture to the ensemble, each contributing small but meaningful notes that round out the story’s emotional palette. On the whole, ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ is a sweet nostalgic tearjerker that carries warmth even through its predictability.