Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Director: Olivia Newman
Running Time: 114 minutes
Rating: 🌟🌟1/2
Description
Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026) is a film based on the hit novel of the same name by Shelby van Pelt from 2022. It sees Marcellus the octopus, voiced by Alfred Molina, create a bond with aquarium cleaner, Tova. He senses there is a ‘hole’ in her heart that he wishes to fix. The only way he can do this is by solving a mystery that surrounds her and newcomer, Cameron.
Tova has been grieving her husband and son, finding solace in Marcellus’s company. She loves her home but feels isolated because of the rumours that have hounded her since the incident that claimed her son.
Meanwhile, Cameron, a young man who has recently lost his mum, comes to the bay to find his long lost father. He meets Tova and her fellow town residents, quickly becoming part of the local community.
At the end, with Marcellus’s help, Tova makes a miraculous discovery that will change their lives.
Review
Although sweet, the film didn’t resonate with me as much as it seems to have for many other people. The shots and imagery have the generic feel of your average Netflix original film. This almost ascribes a Hallmark feeling to it that isn’t what I’m seeking from new releases. Usually, if I want Hallmark standard films, it’s solely at Christmas after a snowball or two. It’s not when I’m watching something that’s reviewed highly and recommended by thousands of people.
The dialogue is the main issue I have with Remarkably Bright Creatures. It flip-flops from being overly sentimental to being too on-the-nose. The film has a mysterious element but everything is spoken aloud for us without chance to read between the lines. Did the creators make it simply to be a feel-good film you can put on in the background while you conduct your Sunday chores?
There were elements that pulled at my heartstrings but these were minority moments. Throughout most of the film, events felt too convenient and well put together. I also found the setting strange. It was trying too hard to portray a Stars Hollow-style community but the characters were too separate for this to be achieved. Rather than having a small town vibe, it felt like a set that had been built for a film – not so immersive.
I did wonder whether I’m the target market for this but most of the reviews I’ve seen say it’s a film for people of all ages so it should have something for me too. However, I can’t say that it does. For a film that has emotional twists and turns, I felt surprisingly little. Maybe I just have a heart of stone but I recently watched The Farewell (2019) and that had me sobbing for hours.
I don’t think the acting is terrible, I simply think the script and direction weren’t strong enough for the actors to give their all. The result for me is a one-dimensional, quasi-emotional film that appeals to the masses but fails to deliver once you dig beneath the surface.
Recommendation or Regret
If I’m completely honest, I do regret watching Remarkably Bright Creatures because I didn’t understand the hype surrounding it. I wanted to be in on the cosy conversation and unfortunately, I’m having to be the grumpy reviewer who dislikes something everyone else enjoys.
On the other hand, I can’t blanket recommend this when many of my readers are like myself. Therefore, I’d recommend this film only if you’ve enjoyed similar ones or films with these actors in in the past.
If you’d like to see a film I consider to pack an emotional punch, I’d recommend The Farewell (2019).
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