My heart is in my throat, and for a moment, my soul is at ease. Remarkably Bright Creatures is everything I needed and more—a movie that’s all about goodness, compassion, and empathy. A movie that reminds us of how storytelling connects us to something bigger and fills the cracks in our hearts in a way that often provides proof that some sort of magic exists in the world.
With movies like this, casting is a key component to ensure greatness. Sally Field and Lewis Pullman are astounding scene partners throughout, but it’s Alfred Molina’s voice acting that underscores the depth of the story’s heart. From the moment Marcellus the Octopus speaks, we’re transported to a space that feels large in its confinement. We’re in an aquarium, yet everything is bigger—possibilities are endless.
Our existence feels sacred. There’s a light in the shadows that tugs at our curiosity and speaks to the innocence we let go of when we get older. Molina’s casting works specifically for millennials because I felt the same sense of ease throughout the film as I did in Spider-Man: No Way Home when Otto sees his Tobey Maguire’s Peter again. “Peter, it’s good to see you, dear boy.” The inherent tenderness that he delivers every line with evokes something deeply comforting, making it almost impossible not to choke up at the mere thought of how much his character represents.
These types of movies aren’t supposed to be epics, but they leave behind a specific comfort that’s a lost art in and of itself. A warm, hopeful feeling of the joy that’s possible when people lend a helping hand. When we remember that we’re all a part of something bigger. It’s especially lovely for it to air on Mother’s Day weekend, perhaps giving those who are a little sad something to find ease with. Or, really, it’s just the kind of wholesome balm necessary to remember that the world isn’t a cesspool full of selfish people on a tireless quest to destroy the environment. Because of this, movies like Remarkably Bright Creatures and Project Hail Mary hit harder in 2026.
They make it effortless to momentarily think of the good that’s out there and the companionship people can find. The discovery the characters make toward the end is so rewarding from a narrative standpoint that even though some viewers might find it too saccharine, the execution is near-perfect. It’s wholesome—bright, pun intended—and comforting on so many levels that just sitting with the emotions feels rewarding.
As far as its adaptation goes, everything about the movie does plenty to deliver a heartwarming story while adding interest in the book. The performances genuinely are the best part, and Field remains unstoppable in her craftsmanship while Lewis Pullman continues to prove that his talent runs as deep as his father’s. Special effects give us plenty, with the added layer of nostalgia from the cast and Olivia Newman’s directorial vision ensuring that the movie feels special. If nothing else, you won’t regret sitting through the quiet splendor present in every frame. And like me, you might even consider a revisit to your local aquarium. Profound, wholesome, and big-hearted, Remarkably Bright Creatures sticks the landing with a quiet story that’s going to stay with people.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is now streaming on Netflix.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Netflix