In one sentence: A lonely widow working at an aquarium forms an unlikely bond with a grieving young drifter and an octopus who quietly changes both of their lives.

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There is something uniquely affecting about films centred around animals. They often tap into emotion in ways human-led stories sometimes cannot. What makes Remarkably Bright Creatures even more special is its focus on an animal many audiences may not know much about. While octopuses are familiar creatures, the film reveals just how intelligent, emotional and fascinating they truly are. It is the kind of film that manages to educate while remaining warm, entertaining and deeply human, which is always a difficult balance to strike.

Based on the novel by Shelby Van Pelt, the story follows Tova (Sally Field), a widow who works nights cleaning the aquarium in her small harbour town. During her shifts, she talks to Marcellus, an octopus voiced by Alfred Molina. Though he never responds directly to her, the audience hears his thoughts and it quickly becomes clear that he is highly intelligent and deeply fond of her. Marcellus, now nearing the end of his life, longs for the freedom of the ocean and repeatedly attempts to escape the aquarium, often leaving Tova to rescue him before disaster strikes. When Tova injures her leg and is unable to work, Cameron (Lewis Pullman), a young man who is new to town and searching for his estranged father, takes over her role at the aquarium. Through Marcellus, the two gradually form an unconventional friendship built on grief, loneliness and the need for connection.

The film is gentle in tone but emotionally rich, exploring themes of loss, healing and companionship with sincerity. Like many animal centred stories, it uses its animal character to hold up a mirror to the people around him. Marcellus is written with surprising depth. There is a risk with talking-animal narratives that they can become overly sentimental or childish, but the film avoids this entirely. Marcellus is cynical, intelligent and occasionally frustrated with humanity, yet there is a purity to him that makes his perspective strangely moving. His longing for the sea also quietly raises questions about animals in captivity. The film never preaches, but it naturally encourages audiences to reflect on aquariums, zoos and the ethics surrounding them.

Alfred Molina’s voice performance is excellent, bringing both humour and emotion to Marcellus’ observations about humans. The octopus himself is also genuinely fascinating to watch. His movements are fluid and almost alien at times, while his eyes carry an unusual emotional depth that makes him feel startlingly expressive. Sally Field is equally wonderful as Tova, creating a character who is firm, capable and quietly vulnerable beneath her routines and independence. It is refreshing to see an older female lead presented with such depth and dignity, without reducing her to fragility or comic relief. Lewis Pullman continues to prove himself a very compelling screen presence. His chemistry with Field feels natural and grounded and together they create a believable connection between two people at very different stages of life who are nevertheless carrying similar emotional burdens. Both characters are shaped by grief and uncertainty and the film explores how loss can leave people feeling directionless regardless of age.

Hope sits alongside tragedy throughout the film, preventing it from ever becoming too heavy. Marcellus may initially appear to be a distraction from the pain both characters carry, but he gradually becomes something more meaningful, representing comfort, perspective and even possibility. The film also touches on the therapeutic role animals can play in people’s lives and the unexpected ways connection can help people heal. There is even a twist woven into the story which, whilst I predicted, still remains emotionally satisfying.

Visually, the film embraces the beauty of its coastal setting and the quiet magic of the aquarium itself. The nighttime cleaning scenes are particularly striking, with glowing tanks illuminating the sea life in rich blues and vibrant colours against the darkness.

Ultimately, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a warm, thoughtful and life-affirming film about grief, healing and unexpected connection. Anchored by wonderful performances and a genuinely memorable animal character, it is the kind of story that quietly stays with you.

★★★★½  4.5/5