"Humans, for the most part, are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures."
Written by Mariane Tremblay
Remarkably Bright Creatures is an adaptation of the 2022 novel of the same name by Shelby Van Pelt. Directed by Olivia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing, First Match), who co-wrote it with John Whittington (The Lego Batman Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3), the movie follows Tova Sullivan (Sally Field), a widow who's working nights at the local aquarium. Consumed by grief over the death of her husband and her son years ago, Tova lives a pretty solitary life, bonding with Marcellus (Alfred Molina), the octopus kept in captivity at the aquarium, as they both share some similarities: they both prefer the night, they both enjoy their solitude, have a distaste for wolf eels and sticky floors, and they both dream of the bottom of the sea—and of what they both lost there.
When Cameron Cassmore (Lewis Pullman) arrives in town, seeking temporary work to repair his van, which broke down, he's hired at the aquarium to replace Tova, who sprained her ankle. Unable to stay away and get some rest, Tova happens upon Cameron at work and reprimands his work, stating that there's a right way and a wrong way of doing things. She then decides to show him the value of taking pride in his work and shares her relationship with Marcellus, creating an unexpected bond between her and Cameron.
I have to admit that I was unconvinced by the first images and trailer of this movie. I rarely watch trailers because I don't want to be spoiled, but for some reason, I watched this one, and I thought the movie looked quite whimsical and childish in a way that made me unsure about it. To have Sally Field and Lewis Pullman starring in it is definitely what drew me to watch it, and it turns out, this movie is one of the biggest surprises of the year so far.
I haven't read the source material, but as a movie, Remarkably Bright Creatures is quite simplistic in its storytelling. Still, it is quite difficult not to be charmed by its characters and its exploration of loss, guilt, and grief, and how those three things can create connections between people—or even with animals—in such unexpected ways. Whether it's between Tova and Marcellus, Tova and Cameron, or even Cameron and Marcellus, there is something so genuine and compelling about the bond they create together over the loss of loved ones, their home, and the sadness that follows. Tova lost her son and her husband and is thinking about leaving her home. Cameron lost his mother, never knew his father, and never really had a home or stable family, and Marcellus had to leave the peacefulness of the bottom of the sea and is now in his final days, after over 1,400 days of captivity. In many ways, the movie suggests that grief is what ultimately brings these lonely souls together—that even in the midst of profound sadness and displacement, there is still room for connection, understanding, and comfort. Despite its straightforward narrative, the film understands something deeply human: that grief can be isolating, but it can also quietly guide people (and animals) toward one another.
Sally Field gives such a heartbreaking performance, there is no way to finish this movie without shedding a tear (or two, or three). Her chemistry with Lewis Pullman (who gives an equally good performance) is so sweet and genuine; they're truly the new duo we didn't know we needed. And there is just something so inherently moving about watching this lost young man form an unexpected bond with an older woman who is equally lonely in her own way. Their relationship is neither forced nor overly sentimental; it is simply natural and comforting for reasons we cannot explain (at least not at first). They are just two people quietly helping each other heal, without even realizing it, or the impact it will ultimately have on their respective lives.
If you're looking for a heartbreakingly charming movie, one that could make you say, "heartbreak feels good in a place like this," then Remarkably Bright Creatures is the one you need to watch, and it is now streaming on Netflix.
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