Remarkably Bright Creatures Parent Guide
Sweet and touching, this film is a moving story of grief, hope, family, and community.
Parent Movie Review
Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina) knows that he’s approaching the end of his life. Before he dies, the Giant Pacific octopus wants to escape from the noisy aquarium and return to the quiet ocean floor from whence he came. But, first, he’s determined to heal the heart of the one human he cares about.
Tova (Sally Field) has no idea that Marcellus is aware of her struggles. Yes, the aquarium’s cleaning lady talks to the octopus as she works, and she returns him to his tank when he goes wandering in the building. But she doesn’t realize that Marcellus senses her quiet grief over her husband’s death and unending agony over the loss of her only son.
When Tova injures her ankle and needs to take medical leave, Cameron (Lewis Pullman) is hired as a temporary replacement. The cash-starved musician drifted into the seaside town, looking for his unknown father. After the death of his mother, Cameron feels lost, but he desperately needs money. As Tova teaches him how to clean the aquarium to her exacting standards, the two form an unlikely friendship – and Marcellus becomes aware of another human who needs his help.
I had no idea what to expect when I clicked on Netflix to watch this movie, but I was pleasantly surprised. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a touching story, brimming over with themes of friendship, compassion, and the power of family and community ties. It’s a story of kindness, self-sacrifice, and healing from loss, grief, and pain. It has a few clumsy moments, but overall, this is a sweet, gentle film that choked me up on several occasions, as compared to only a few eye-rolling moments. For a cynical movie critic, that’s a great ratio.
It can be a challenge for heartwarming films to avoid treacly sentimentality and Remarkably Bright Creatures largely does so thanks to the skill of its cast. Alfred Molina is a gifted voice actor, and, oh my goodness, his warm, rich tones give Marcellus a personality that is crotchety, arrogant, brave, and devoted. It’s a masterpiece of voice acting. As for Sally Field, I’ve long been a fan. Anyone who can make The Flying Nun watchable clearly has talent, and Ms. Field’s gifts are on full display as Tova, whose burden of grief keeps her from making plans for her future. The rest of the cast are fine, but it’s Mr. Molina and Ms. Field who make the film shine.
Viewers worried about negative content can be assured that there’s no sex in the film, occasional social drinking, and no gory violence. There are over four dozen profanities (mostly terms of deity) but the film is definitely an easy PG-13. The movie is suitable for teens, but its focus on grief and resilience might not captivate a younger audience. That said, adults looking for a sweet, sincere film about love, friendship, and hope will be charmed by Remarkably Bright Creatures. Two thumbs up for Netflix’s efforts here.
Directed by Olivia Newman. Starring Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Alfred Molina. Running time: 111 minutes. Theatrical release May 8, 2026. Updated May 10, 2026About author
Watch the trailer for Remarkably Bright Creatures
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Rating & Content Info
Why is Remarkably Bright Creatures rated PG-13? Remarkably Bright Creatures is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for thematic material, some strong language, suggestive references and brief drug use.
Violence: An older woman falls and a serious injury on her ankle is visible. A man points a gun at people but does not shoot. There’s reference to a teenager’s death by drowning and speculation about suicide. A woman imagines her son’s death by drowning. There’s mention of a woman dying from a drug overdose. There is a brief scene of an octopus being attacked by a wolf eel.
Sexual Content: There is reference to a teen pregnancy. There’s a brief mention of homosexuality, with no detail. Women gossip about sexual relationships, with no detail.
Profanity: The dialogue contains a single sexual expletive, three dozen terms of deity, eight scatological curses, eleven minor profanities, and three crude anatomical terms.
Alcohol / Drug Use: Adults occasionally drink alcohol in social situations. A person jokes about a hangover. A person gives away lotion that contains CBD oil.
Page last updated May 10, 2026
Loved this movie? Try these books…
The film is based on Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures.
If you want to learn more about octopi, particularly their intelligence and personalities, you can read the much-lauded non-fiction book The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by naturalist Sy Montgomery.
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