Netflix's Remarkably Bright Creatures: A Spoiler-Free Review- Is It As Good As the Book?

Have you seen Remarkably Bright Creatures yet? I just finished watching the Netflix film based on the book by Shelby Van Pelt. I really enjoyed the book so I was concerned that the movie would butcher Van Pelt's unique story, which stars Sally Field and Lewis Pullman as the main characters who bond with an intelligent octopus named Marcellus. But there's much more to the story than that, and it's one film that I really think you should watch. Read on to see why, and also watch a trailer of the film.

Disclosure: All opinions in this post are my own and I was not compensated by Netflix for this review.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)

Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures is the touching film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel, bringing together emotion, mystery, and a bit of magic in a story that will definitely work its way into your heart. Directed by Olivia Newman, the film stars Sally Field as Tova Sullivan, a widow still carrying the weight of loss and loneliness while trying to move through life one day at a time. The movie also features Lewis Pullman and the voice of Alfred Molina as Marcellus, the unforgettable giant Pacific octopus at the center of the story.

Tova works evenings at a local aquarium, preferring quiet routines and keeping much of the world at arm’s length. Her life begins to shift when she develops an unlikely connection with Marcellus, a remarkably intelligent octopus who seems to understand far more than anyone realizes. At the same time, a young man named Cameron (Pullman) arrives in town searching for answers about his own past, setting in motion a chain of events that slowly connects lives in unexpected ways.

Thoughts About the Film

While there is a mystery woven throughout the film (no spoilers, I promise), Remarkably Bright Creatures is really about human connection. It explores grief, healing, family, second chances, and the surprising relationships that can change us when we least expect them. Marcellus provides both humor and heart, delivering some of the movie’s most memorable moments and offering a unique perspective on the people around him. Check out a trailer of the movie below from YouTube.

Book vs. Movie: Are they the Same?

I posted about Remarkably Bright Creatures on my Facebook page and I was amazed by the hundreds of heartfelt comments I received about how much they loved this movie. Many people told me they wanted to watch it more than once, and they also praised the fact that it's a "clean" movie without sexual situations or violence. Some fans of the original novel noted differences between the book and the film adaptation, but many still appreciated the emotional payoff and the chemistry between the cast. Personally (and I hate to admit this), I liked the movie a little better. I felt like the book dragged a bit, and the movie quickened the plot and allowed the viewers to move through the mystery at a faster pace. But I am an impatient reader and will often skip through stories if I feel the plot is dragging too much for me (isn't that awful? I know, as a writer, I should be ashamed of myself). But PLEASE read the book, too. I think it's a crime if you watch a movie based on a book and never actually get to experience the original writing for yourself. You can find the original book here and the movie tie-in of the book here.

If you enjoy stories centered around found family, emotional journeys, and characters who discover hope in unexpected places, Remarkably Bright Creatures may be worth adding to your watch list. It’s the kind of movie that reminds us that healing sometimes comes from the most surprising friendships of all. And if you love Sally Field as much as I do, check out some of my favorite films that she has been in, including Steel Magnolias, Places in the Heart, Lincoln, and Soapdish, just to name a few.