by Henry Pham
It is difficult to support original films and films released on streaming services as time, entertainment quality, and money are becoming huge issues for everyone who now wants to focus on big blockbuster films, sequels, and remakes. Netflix’s Remarkable Bright Creatures follows a widow and elderly caretaker named Tova Sullivan who works at a local aquarium and finds joy again when she forms an unlikely bond with a giant Pacific octopus and a wayward young man, Cameron, who comes to town in search of family. Together, they uncover a mystery that leads them to a life-changing discovery and restores their sense of wonder.
Sally Field, a two-time Oscar winner (Norma Rae, Places in the Heart), stars as Tova Sullivan, an elderly janitor at the Sowell Bay aquarium in Washington. There, she befriends Marcellus the Octopus, voiced by Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2). Lewis Pullman (Marvel’s Thunderbolts*) plays Cameron, a young drifter and aspiring musician searching for his biological father. When his van breaks down, and he cannot afford repairs, he temporarily takes over Tova’s job while she recovers from a fall. Field delivers a moving performance, portraying a woman shaped by personal tragedy whose care for Marcellus becomes central to her life. Pullman convincingly depicts a young man struggling to find purpose and connection. The supporting cast includes Joan Chen (The Last Emperor), Kathy Baker (The Right Stuff), Beth Grant (Rain Man, Speed), and Sofia Black-D’Elia (Freeform’s Single Drunk Female).
Adapted from Shelby Van Pelt’s novel, the film is written and directed by Olivia Newman, following her previous work on First Match and Where the Crawdads Sing. Although the story is intended to highlight the bond between Marcellus and Tova, much of the narrative focuses on the evolving relationship between Tova and Cameron, who develop a mother-son dynamic and ultimately find fulfillment in each other’s company. The film’s visual quality and color palette evoke the style of early 2010s children’s movies, giving it a fresh and appealing look. Though, the slow pacing is present in the film. Marcellus the Octopus stands out as a character, brought to life through a combination of CGI and footage of a real Giant Pacific Octopus, capturing his movements and emotions authentically. Marcellus also symbolizes themes of overcoming grief, accepting loss, and moving forward.
Watching Remarkably Bright Creatures is honestly the simplistic option I made. As a movie critic, I find this 114-minute Netflix movie immersive and memorable enough to hold your attention from start to finish. However, some first-time viewers may find this very decent to watch as they may not understand the source material. I didn’t read the book as I didn’t hear about it until I came across this movie. Still, I’m glad I did come across this movie. It’s not bad, but if you want a faithful academic adaptation, this movie is meant for you. And if you’re ready for an emotionally driven story, you will probably have a much better time with this. Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures brings the heart and emotion, despite lacking an extra push on the plot line. But at its core, it is Sally Field and Lewis Pullman that can make this one a modern tale.
Comments