Remarkably Bright Creatures review: Sally Field shines in sweet film adaptation

Life must seem strange through the eyes of an octopus. Humans do their best, but they’re a very scattered bunch at times, with so many troubles their own making. Remarkably Bright Creatures, the latest film from Netflix, and an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Shelby Van Pelt, turns around this question.

It begins with the narration of Marcellus (voiced by Alfred Molina), an elderly Giant Pacific Octopus who resides in the aquarium of Sowell Bay. Marcellus has seen a lot in his time, and has grown rather clever – perhaps too clever by the measure of the real world, but enough to provide a flavour of magical realism to this tale, which centres on aquarium cleaner Tova Sullivan, played belligerently but warmly by an always-on-form Sally Field.

Following the death of her son, Tova is finding it harder to traverse the world, and is considering a move to a retirement home to see out her final days a little less alone. Marcellus provides some comfort, being a good listener, but also frustration because Marcellus, it turns out, is something of a trickster.

A cosy small town world

Marcellus frequently escapes his enclosure but in the process also grows closer to Tova, seeing her need for connection. Then comes the arrival of drifter Cameron Cassmore (played by the swiftly-upcoming Lewis Pullman), who is visiting Sowell Bay in search of his father.

Cameron is chasing dreams that are evaporating, perhaps best represented in a van that soon breaks down, stranding him in town.

After an accident leaves Tova unable to work, Cameron is presented the opportunity to take her place, to pay back the debt on his van. But of course, the conflict lies in his loyalties. He takes the job for the money and doesn’t care about finesse. Tova, more traditional and too-caring, demands he take it seriously, eventually taking him under her wing to ensure the job’s done right.

All the while, the pair are watched by Marcellus, who connives to help both fix their troubles together.

A meeting of lost souls

Remarkably Bright Creatures charts a slow journey of acceptance, as both Tova and Cameron learn to accept their differences.

While lightly-critical of the trouble humans occasionally inspire, it remains a warm and introspective film about the human need for connection. It’s about the value of staying together through hardship, and why isolation and self-shuttering can make us blind to new opportunities and love.

Field is particularly good as Tova, portraying a kind-hearted older woman who’s been hurt before, and has put up walls to protect herself. While initially attempting to be rugged and stubborn, Tova’s true character is shown in the softness of her shoulders and the shimmer in her eyes.

Pullman, meanwhile, is the wide-eyed, occasionally naive foil for Tova. He has particularly expressive eyes, and in them you see the lost child that sits beneath the surface. Cameron is young and twitchy, and like Tova, putting on airs to portray someone he’s not.

Remarkably Bright Creatures follows their growth, finding the moments where their real selves shine through. One scene taking place in a bar, where Cameron shakes off his insecurities to sing at an open mic, is particularly lovely, revealing both of their struggles to be heard and accepted.

Watch the trailer

A little help from an octopus guide

While there are moments where both characters prove unlikeable – Cameron has a particularly difficult time accepting a burgeoning romance with Avery, a surf shop worker in Sowell Bay – but Remarkably Bright Creatures embraces these darker moments.

This is a film about love and acceptance, with a cosy and warm tone to both its narrative and its idealised world. Remarkably Bright Creatures understands the peculiar nature of family, but also why humans tie themselves in knots. It’s sympathetic and sweet, both affirming and light-hearted.

Perhaps it’s tied up too neatly by the end, with a late-stage reveal that is haphazardly telegraphed, but even in this sharp twist, Remarkably Bright Creatures maintains its joy. Sometimes the world is messy, and humans can make mistakes, but that’s okay too.

With Marcellus as a strange, slimy guide, Remarkably Bright Creatures presents a magical, occasionally hyperreal narrative that wraps you up in tiny octopus tentacles, every sucker like a little kiss. Sometimes, a film is just very nice, and that’s all it needs to be.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is now streaming on Netflix.

Discover more screen, games & arts news and reviews on ScreenHub and ArtsHub. Sign up for our free ArtsHub and ScreenHub newsletters.