Sally Field returns to the spotlight in the new Netflix film Remarkably Bright Creatures, a gentle adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's best-selling novel. The movie, which premiered on the streaming platform, tells the story of an elderly aquarium cleaner who forms an unlikely bond with a grumpy octopus, offering a heartwarming drama perfect for an afternoon watch.
A Gentle Adaptation for an Older Audience
The film joins Netflix's growing collection of originals aimed at older viewers, alongside titles like Nonnas and Our Souls at Night. It gives Field, who has been less visible on screen in recent years, her first lead role since 2015's Hello, My Name Is Doris. Her performance anchors the film, adding depth to a story that otherwise maintains a low-key emotional hum.
Field plays Tova, a cleaner at an aquarium in a picturesque coastal town. Still grieving the death of her son years earlier, she struggles to connect with others and prefers solitude. She finds a kindred spirit in Marcellus, an elderly octopus voiced by Alfred Molina, who shares her disdain for humans but appreciates her calm presence. When Tova injures her foot, she is forced to reconsider her isolation, especially as calls from a retirement community—where her late husband reserved space for them—demand an answer.
A Story of Grief and Friendship
Tova's loneliness is interrupted by Cameron, a wannabe rocker played by Lewis Pullman, who begins working alongside her. Initially clashing, the two discover they share a common grief and a sense of being unmoored, leading to an unexpected friendship. Marcellus the octopus helps bridge their connection, offering wisdom from his tank.
Director Olivia Newman, who previously adapted the hit novel Where the Crawdads Sing, delivers a simpler, more focused film this time. While the pacing is leisurely and the plot offers few surprises, the tighter focus results in a more entertaining experience. Some underdeveloped romantic subplots and stretched sitcom moments detract slightly, but Field's compelling performance in the emotional beats keeps the film grounded.
A Heartfelt but Flawed Drama
The film gives Molina's octopus a commanding voiceover presence, though he occasionally fades into the background before returning for a neatly contrived yet sweetly effective ending. While the film may not elicit the tears it aims for, it charms enough to satisfy. Remarkably Bright Creatures is a decent, gentle drama that allows an older female character to wrestle with her past and future without being patronized—a refreshing change in a often formulaic genre.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is now streaming on Netflix.
