Movie Review: Remarkably Bright Creatures
One-liner: A strong lead performance, curious narrator, idyllic setting and delightful small town oddballs compel this entertaining, heartfelt and bittersweet dramedy.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a curious drama set in a small seaside town where a night shift custodian and an aspiring musician form an unlikely friendship. Armed with a fierce indie spirit, Olivia Newman’s film carries a Little Miss Sunshine temperament in its execution. Based on the book by Shelby van Pelt, My Octopus Teacher was an inspiration for the author, which led to a story centred on an unusual octopus narrator. As evidenced by that same Oscar-winning South African documentary, these are incredibly intelligent creatures, and we get a uniquely alien perspective on humankind, delivered straight from a restrictive aquarium fish tank.
As an endearing and heartfelt drama, Sally Field completely owns the role of Tova. It’s a performance that offers a curious twist on her extensive film and TV credits, allowing her to deliver a strong, emotive turn as a woman coming to terms with tragedy, the prospect of retirement and her final chapter. A delightful mix of quirky townsfolk keeps the narrative upbeat, but Remarkably Bright Creatures masterfully offsets this lighthearted tone with a much deeper emotional weight. Set against the backdrop of the ocean, the film wrestles with the story of its primary captive as he reflects on the human relationships around him – a heart-rending element that draws you deeply into the story.
Field, celebrated for her bittersweet temperament, slides effortlessly into this space, echoing her brilliant turn as the title character in Hello, My Name Is Doris. She’s ably contrasted by up-and-coming star Lewis Pullman, who plays Cameron – a charming drifter on a mission to recoup enough funds to finally get his band a studio album. The co-lead dynamic echoes Harold and Maude in terms of their unexpected friendship. Both characters are dealing with missing pieces in their lives, fumbling their way forward as they try to find a sense of home and a clearer vision of their futures. Serving as an unintentional mentorship, their unlikely friendship starts on rocky ground before gradually easing into a rhythm where pulling rank becomes sage advice. Meanwhile, an assortment of oddball locals keeps things peppy while the deepening mysteries surrounding both protagonists naturally find their place.
The film operates as a gentle, tender and subtle melodrama that remains surprisingly funny, even tipping into light romance as the co-leads discover just how much good they can do for each other’s lives. As each character begins to want the best for the other, their seesawing friendship deepens. It’s also consistently entertaining to hear the philosophical reflections of the octopus, voiced with some attitude by Alfred Molina (who famously played Doc Ock in Spider-Man). In fact, the supporting presence of Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, and Beth Grant speaks directly to the filmmaker’s sense of nostalgia – each actor having delivered career-defining turns in iconic projects like Star Trek, Twin Peaks and Donnie Darko.
“Surely, you must know The Beatles…”
These playful touches and charming performances compel this offbeat comedy-drama forward. It’s a heartfelt and entertaining piece of filmmaking that beautifully balances its whimsical spirit with surprisingly deep psychological currents, making it an excellent all-rounder. While the octopus concept keeps the material fresh, hearing its inner “thoughts” can occasionally feel a bit gimmicky. Yet, it yields an interesting payoff and ties elegantly into the tradition of films about beloved pets.
Ultimately, this is a strange and sweet small-town film with an incredibly big heart, offering a satisfying and thought-provoking experience with a perfect balance of laughter and tears. It serves as a magnificent showcase for Sally Field, who delivers one of her finest performances with immense humility, creating a down-to-earth character whose guarded heart slowly begins to blossom again. A poignant story of healing and grief, it’s an uplifting, touching movie full of genuine surprises.
Beautifully filmed with enchanting production design, its quaint seaside village practically begs you to visit. Deceptively simple, Remarkably Bright Creatures has plenty to say, capturing the heartache of the human condition with a remarkably deft touch. Whether expounding on rock music or the mysteries of the deep, it’s a journey well worth taking.
The bottom line: Endearing
