Netflix fans can’t stop crying at beautiful movie that will ‘quietly wreck you’

A ‘big warm hug’ of a Netflix movie has had viewers reaching for the tissues since its release this weekend.

Starring Sally Field opposite Thunderbolts* actor Lewis Pullman, this adaptation of a 2022 novel charts the burgeoning friendship of two aquarium employees.

Struggling to connect with those around her after the tragic death of her son, Tova (Field) initially clashes with newbie Cameron (Pullman), whose brash behaviour is at odds with her own demeanour.

Touching stuff – but the real friendship is between Tova and the super-intelligent Pacific octopus who resides there.

Viewed through the eyes of said octopus, Marcellus (played by Spider-Man’s Octopus nemesis, Alfred Molina), its story has quickly captured viewers’ hearts.

Directed by Olivia Newman, Remarkably Bright Creatures is streaming on Netflix UK now… if you can see it through the tears.

Since its release, viewers have been reacting to Remarkably Bright Creatures, with Shownexbuzz describing it on X as ‘the unexpected friendship movie that will quietly wreck you.’

‘The scenery is beautiful, the octopus is clever,’ commented Rotten Tomatoes user Karena L, calling it ‘a big warm hug.’

Amy P concurred, saying that it was ‘just a feel good movie – what more can you ask for?’

Jamie A said that it was a rare kind of film – namely, ‘the films that invite you into hope without denying pain.’

On a less existential level, Carlos Z described it as ‘remarkably beautiful,’ while Burgess B called it ‘fantastic on many levels!’

These reviews contributed to its 90% positive user rating – outshining the more cynical professional critics, who led to a slightly less shiny score of 77%.

Of those critics, most praised the actors’ performances – including Molina’s voice work as Marcellus – as well as the film’s emotional core.

TIME was among those singing the film’s praises, playing tribute to its ‘gentle soul and elusive spirit.’

Meanwhile, Loud and Clear Reviews said that it was ‘remarkably sincere,’ while Screen Rant called it ‘heartwarming and cozy to watch.’

Many had great things to say about Field in her leading role, including HollywoodChicago, who credited her with ‘making this high concept work.’

San Francisco Chronicle said that it was ‘a lovely role for Field,’ with Guardian describing Molina’s voice-over as ‘typically commanding.’

The film was directed by Olivia Newman, who previously helmed Where The Crawdads Sing in 2022.

It’s already begun to invite comparison to the critically acclaimed 2020 documentary My Octopus Teacher… although this one is a work of fiction, and not based on a true story.

Based on a novel by Shelby Van Pelt, Newman’s streamlined take remainsfaithful to the emotional core of the book, while keeping its unique Cephalopod narrator.

Other human members of the cast include Star Trek: The Next Generation actor Colm Meaney and Skins star Sofia Black-D’Elia.

As one of the film’s three main characters (and two humans) Field has shared an insight as to what it was like working opposite Molina’s octopus.

Asked by Elle whether Marcellus was entirely computer generated, the actress said that she was ‘hesitant to spoil anything by saying exactly what it was.’

‘It’s all magic,’ said Field, who once dated fellow Hollywood legend Burt Reynolds.

She continued: ‘But whether there’s a total octopus there all the time or none whatsoever, all of acting is imagining. In that way, it’s nothing new.’

Remarkably Bright Creatures is streaming on Netflix in the UK now.

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