Remarkably Bright Creatures with a dark theme

Remarkably Bright Creatures opens with Marcellus, an aging giant Pacific octopus, in his tank at the aquarium talking about the peace and quiet at the bottom of the ocean. Children stare at him through the glass every day, and when they’ve gone, he examines the fingerprints they’ve left behind. He notes how each fingerprint is unique. An interesting observation about humans from his perspective.

The film was directed by Olivia Newman and released on Netflix on May 8, 2026. It’s based on the best-selling book of the same name by Shelby Van Pelt. The title is apt as the narrator is the remarkably bright creature, Marcellus. His wisdom and insight into human nature carry the film.

Actor Alfred Molina provides the voice of Marcellus. The two lead characters are Sally Field as Tova, the elderly cleaner at the aquarium, and Lewis Pullman as Cameron, a young man searching for his father.

There is a strong bond between Tova and Marcellus, and she often talks to him while she’s cleaning the fingerprints off his tank. Their bond deepens when Tova rescues Marcellus after he becomes tangled in power cords during one of his escapes from his tank. Tova saved his life that night, and it left him wanting to save hers. Marcellus frequently escapes from his tank trying to get back to his home in the ocean. He knows his life is nearing its end, and he wants to be in his natural home when that time comes. The theme of time runs through the story, Marcellus’s time left, Tova living in the past, and Cameron rushing to find his father.

Most scenes are shot indoors: Tova’s home, the aquarium, and Ethan’s store. Ethan is a supporting character played by Colm Meaney. He is the older man who is Tova and Cameron’s supportive friend.

There are a few outdoor scenes during the movie, but they are minimal, until towards the end, when most scenes are set outside. That creates a difference for the storytelling and the expansion of the characters and story as the movie comes to a conclusion. The outdoors could have featured more prominently throughout the film, not only for the area’s natural beauty, but for the connection to the sea that both Tova and Marcellus have. 

Tova and Cameron have a typical inter-generational relationship. Tova telling him how to do things properly, and Cameron thinking she’s a grumpy old woman. They are both experiencing their own grief and life changes, but don’t communicate that to each other in the beginning. This conflict works on different levels throughout the movie: Tova and Cameron both are conflicted within themselves and with each other, and for Marcellus, his conflict is his desperation to go home. Interestingly, Marcellus picks up on the lack of communication between the humans. It’s a stark point that brings the viewer’s attention to the often-experienced lack of communication between people.

Tova is clearly in great pain. Sally Field shows that pain in the way she carries herself and her facial expressions. Flashbacks to the time just before her son disappeared deepen the emotions of guilt and shame she feels on top of her grief. 

Cameron’s pain is communicated through his lines rather than his physicality, although at times his frustration is shown through his actions. Pullman’s characterisation of Cameron isn’t as strong as Field’s portrayal of Tova. Considering Cameron’s life experience, I would expect a character who is more forceful in his performance, with his grief and anger more palpable. His performance is quite weak at times.

There is a romantic interest for Cameron, but it is only touched on. That storyline could have been developed further to strengthen Pullman’s emotional depth as a character.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is an easy-to-watch movie set in a small seaside town. It’s a heart-warming story of emotional pain, loss and human connection across generations and species, aimed at older viewers who can identify with the theme of loss. The story shows that someone can be surrounded by people but still be sad and lonely. The conclusion is a happy and emotional one and ties off the themes well. I would recommend this movie for viewers who want something with emotion, but at the same time light to watch. Also, for long-time fans of Sally Field who will enjoy seeing her onscreen again.