Based on the bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is a remarkably brilliant film with a beautiful story about loss, hope, and growth through extraordinarily simple story telling, incredible performances, and an overwhelming amount of charm and heart. Quite frankly, I am shocked at just how wonderful REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is.
Official Film Synopsis for REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES:
A widow who works at a local aquarium finds joy again when she forms unlikely bonds with a giant Pacific octopus and a wayward young man who comes to town in search of family. Together, they uncover a mystery that will lead them to a life-changing discovery and restore their sense of wonder.
Two-time Academy Award winner Sally Field stars as the elderly Tova with such empathy that it’s hard not to fall completely emotionally involved with not only her character, but every character. It’s a testament to her performance to rope the audience in to caring not only for her, but for every character that she cares about and who cares for her. It’s no wonder that an octopus in captivity has chosen her as his favorite human. The supporting cast includes an octopus voiced wonderfully by Alfred Molina and Cameron, a troubled, directionless young man, played by the sympathetic Lewis Pullman (THUNDERBOLTS, TOP GUN: MAVERICK, and son of Bill Pullman). Both are exceptional in their roles as well as the rest of the minor characters in the film. But Field carries the emotional weight heightening everyone and everything about the beautifully written story.
Dramatic, humorous, and emotionally engaging, REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES is a family friendly PG-13 that was enjoyed even by my 12 and 9 year old. For fans of the book, my wife loved the book and the movie. I really can’t express how pleasantly surprised I was by REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES. And I hope to see Ms. Sally Field garner another Oscar nomination for her performance. If nothing else, I’m sure it will get a mention in my end of year Best List.
