Remarkably Bright Creatures

After playing Doc Ock, Alfred Molina voices an actual octopus in Netflix’s adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s best-selling novel of the same name. Marcellus, the octopus, is dissatisfied with life in captivity at an aquarium in a small coastal town and longs for his life of solitude. Despite his unhappiness, he forms a kinship with the elderly cleaning lady, Tova (Sally Field), who openly talks to him about her life every night. She’s still grieving the loss of family and is planning to move to a retirement community. Cameron (Lewis Pullman), a musician who comes to town in search of someone, takes a job alongside her. Although the pair initially clash, they soon discover that they have more in common than they could have imagined.

Helmed by Olivia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing), Remarkably Bright Creatures is a film that plays it very safe. It’s formulaic and predictable, but the cast bring enough charm and whimsy to make this flick a gentle afternoon watch.

Field is the anchor that holds everything together. She’s magnificent in every scene, delivering light-hearted comedy and heartfelt moments whenever needed. Pullman, too, gives a solid turn, with the pair forming a genuinely sweet connection that works greatly to the film’s advantage. Colm Meaney is irresistibly likeable as music-loving shopkeeper Ethan, who becomes a large part of both Tova and Cameron’s lives, stealing every scene he’s in. As impactful of a presence as Molina is, the actor isn’t given much to do aside from throw out the occasional octopus fact and lament the current situation. He’s frequently absent for large stretches at a time and isn’t as vital to the plot as the premise would suggest.

The feature is primarily about two broken people and the friendship they create. However, the script has a habit of piling on more plotlines throughout the entire runtime. In addition to acquiring their own romantic subplots, Tova and Cameron’s story evolves into an investigative mystery, the answer to which is heavily signposted long before the characters discover the truth. It’s a cluttered approach to the storytelling that results in an ending that loses its intended impact.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is an easy-going outing that’s happy to swim along at its own pace. While it doesn’t take any risks, its wholesome nature and winning performance from Field make for a cosy viewing experience.