Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026)
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a 2026 drama movie directed by Olivia Newman, with a running time of 1h 54m. It stars Sally Field, Lewis Pullman and Colm Meaney.
Tova cleans a small-town aquarium after closing, alone with the tanks and her grief since losing her husband. One of the residents, a giant Pacific octopus with a low opinion of most people, decides she is worth paying attention to. Out of those quiet night shifts grows an unlikely friendship, and with it a discovery that could reopen a door Tova thought had closed for good. Adapted from Shelby Van Pelt's novel, it is a tender story about loneliness, second chances, and the odd company that finds us late in life.
Quick answers
What is Remarkably Bright Creatures about?
Tova cleans a small-town aquarium after closing, alone with the tanks and her grief since losing her husband. One of the residents, a giant Pacific octopus with a low opinion of most people, decides she is worth paying attention to. Out of those quiet night shifts grows an unlikely friendship, and with it a discovery that could reopen a door Tova thought had closed for good. Adapted from Shelby Van Pelt's novel, it is a tender story about loneliness, second chances, and the odd company that finds us late in life.
When was Remarkably Bright Creatures released?
Remarkably Bright Creatures was released on 7 May 2026.
How long is Remarkably Bright Creatures?
Remarkably Bright Creatures runs 1h 54m.
Who made Remarkably Bright Creatures?
Remarkably Bright Creatures was directed by Olivia Newman.
Where can I watch Remarkably Bright Creatures?
Remarkably Bright Creatures is available on Netflix.
Where to watch Remarkably Bright Creatures
Stream: Netflix
Cast
- Sally Field as Tova Sullivan
- Lewis Pullman as Cameron Cassmore
- Colm Meaney as Ethan Mack
- Alfred Molina as Marcellus (voice)
- Joan Chen as Janice Kim
- Kathy Baker as Mary Ann Minetti
- Beth Grant as Barb Vanderhoof
- Sofia Black-D'Elia as Avery
- Brandon McEwan as Teenage Erik
- Donald Sales as Terry
- Mapuana Makia as Jessica Snell
- Laura Harris as Andie
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A few thoughts on Remarkably Bright Creatures
A warm late-life drama about grief softened by strange company. If the mix of the sea, mortality, and quiet wonder appeals, try A Ring of Endless Light, a coming-of-age novel where a girl grieving a loss finds unexpected connection near the water. Both trust small moments to carry big feeling.
Gentle dramas about grief and second chances
Remarkably Bright Creatures follows Tova, widowed and cleaning an aquarium at night, slowly finding a reason to reopen a door she'd shut. These are quiet, warm dramas about loneliness and starting over, more interested in tender human repair than in plot fireworks.