2026 seems to be the year for films reexamining how people are the most valuable source of support. With the likes of Project Hail Mary proving its thesis that problems are better resolved through collaborative effort. That can be either between nations or between galactic species and civilizations. Isolation may seem tempting when life deals you a bad hand. However, Olivia Newman’s adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures reinforces the beauty of a found family.
Co-written and directed by Newman, the film is an adaptation of the 2022 New York Times bestselling novel of the same name, penned by Shelby Van Pelt. The New York Times bestselling premise follows the life of Tova Sullivan (Sally Field), a widow who cleans an aquarium at night. Averse to gossip, she enjoys her quiet moments and goes out of her way to prioritize them. She quickly forms a friendship with the giant Pacific octopus on display, Marcellus (Alfred Molina).
When Tova experiences a minor injury, her boss brings in Cameron Cassmore (Lewis Pullman), a hopeless wanderer on a mission to belong somewhere or someone. He’s tasked with taking over sanitary duties as Tova recovers. However, a dedicated woman to her job, she spends most nights with Cameron, teaching him how to care for the aquarium properly. What follows is a moving story of an unlikely duo and the familial tragedies they’re both healing from.
As an adaptation, the film leaves a desire to be loyal to the text. It may leave a few readers scratching their heads, wondering as to why certain creative liberties were taken. However, as its own endeavor, Remarkably Bright Creatures is an uplifting tale that transforms into a standalone testament of community as a source of healing. Sally Field and Lewis Pullman craft unexpected magic together. It is understandable why the film decided to add more scenes with them that weren’t in the book, such as their driving scenes on the coast and an open mic night featuring vocals from Pullman. Every moment between them breathes a genuine care and understanding for one another that brings out the best in each other. They’re both searching for something to repair what was broken long ago. As Marcellus accurately phrased it, they both suffer from a “similar affliction.”
Speaking of the star of the show, Molina’s Marcellus may move many to tears. He works genuine, raw emotion into his voice. It’s an exemplary work of sensory acting that elevates the CGI octopus on screen into something transcendental. Working as the film’s narrator, Marcellus is sassy, proud, and disgruntled. But the best moments come from his sweet spot for Tova. Molina brings Marcellus’s lines to life with great care.
The three characters at their core thrive in their antisocial tendencies. At times, taking on hermit mentalities, their behavior supports the reality that while people are wonderful, oftentimes they can break your heart. Tova has suffered a great loss. So has Cameron. As for Marcellus, he was saved after an accident, but his salvation has resulted in his captivity. However, there’s an equal opportunity for them to amaze you. In this film, everyone gets the chance to surprise each other for the better.
The film also features the technical eye of Ashley Connor. As director of photography, some decisions blend the film into a drama with a nature documentary style. The interior night shots of the aquarium especially capture a wonder that justifies why Tova enjoys her shifts. Highlighting the quiet brilliance of their surroundings, the setting comes to life not only as a peaceful background but also as a character in its own right. Connor shoots the fictional town of Sowell Bay, filmed in Vancouver, as if it’s holding a secret that slowly unravels.
If you’re looking for a “feel-good” film, you’ve come to the right place. Remarkably Bright Creatures seamlessly fits the mold of the colloquially coined genre of “hope core cinema.” It’ll make you laugh, cry, and want to hold the ones you love close. Much like the book it is based on, there’s a keen eye in the text for what truly constitutes the “business of living.” Things may get tough; there will be moments when one will feel aimless in this life, but soon everything will fall into place to show you why things didn’t work out in the first place. It was making room for something wonderful to grow in its place.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is streaming exclusively on Netflix now.
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