Review of 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'

Tova Sullivan (Sally Field) works as a caretaker in an aquarium in fictional Sowell Bay, Washington. Following the death of her son Tova has withdrawn from society, talking during her shifts to Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), an elderly octopus not entirely happy with his life. One day Marcellus attempts an escape but is found by Tova who injures herself while returning him to his tank. Meanwhile, the young Cameron Cassmore (Lewis Pullman) arrives in town looking for his long-lost father in his beat-up van which promptly dies. The friendly owner of the local convenience store Ethan Mack (Colm Meaney) puts him under his wing, helping him to look for a job to cover the costs of the repairs. He is given a job at the aquarium to cover for Tova as she recuperates but is heavily criticized by Tova who shows him the proper way to clean up. The two develop a friendship but they both have past issues that need to be resolved…and a future to figure out.

This is a great film that has a great cast, terrific story and a real sense of humanity. The quirk of having the octopus narrate the story is inspired with his comments about Tova and Cameron cutting through what is said to the actual truth - A wise octopus indeed who turns out to be quite talented as well in trying to push the two in the right direction. There is also a great deal of pathos with the two both having troubled pasts that seem different for them to reconcile. Field, Pullman and Meaney really work well together and are utterly believable in their roles of three people in a small town in the (beautiful) rural mountains of Washington. Field is not a stranger to drama and we are immediately drawn to her fragility and frustration in her situation as she tries to figure out what to do next.

There is thankfully a good amount of humour in this film. Tova's group of knitting friends the “Knitwhits”, of course, do very little knitting but a lot of gossiping but are all good natured at heart along with Marcellus' ironic humour throughout providing a very welcome break from the heavier unresolved issues that underly the plot.

The entire film feels very “real” with relatable characters and an interesting story. A bit of a surprise, but well worth a watch despite it seeming to drag a bit in the middle.

Rating: “I have absolutely no complaints”

Review Date: 2026-06-27

Directed by: Olivia Newman

Studio: Anonymous Content

Year: 2026

Length: 111 minutes

Genre: Melodrama

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33100314/