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%

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76 Reviews

90%

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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

3 days 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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Pinoy Short R

@emill_santos 1 day ago

Panalo. Pag kakita ko pa lang kay Sally Field for sure panonoorin ko to at hindi naman ako nabigo. Ganda ng kwento. Matagal tagal na din na di ko nakapanood ng heartwarming, feel good movie. Napaka unique din ng story line dun sa perception ng octopus

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Pudding C

@op-pudding 1 day ago

Recommended by B’s dad. Watched with Bae at home. Movie was touchy, octopus was disgusting, way too many coincidences that can only be explained as fate. I cried too much that my face burned. I do not understand the part the son lost temper on his mom because, and she had to suffer all these years guilty about whether he’s angry at her. Always be nice to family.

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Terry H

@RT83445150 2 days ago

Knew going in that this was a well reviewed film. Glad I watched it. Really heartwarming story that had me tearing up at the end. The first half was kind of the slow build and I was thinking this was ok, nothing great, but then the second half I was completely invested and sucked into the characters and story line. Really good movie.

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John S

@RT90605809 4 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 6 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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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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