Remarkably Bright Creatures
Dustin Chase
Last week we had talking sheep, this week it’s an octopus. Based on the best-selling book of the same name, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is another example of live-action family films that function both as entertainment and coping mechanisms for grief. While the book is more from Marcellus the Octopus’s (voiced by Alfred Molina) point of view, the film adaptation correctly and intelligently centers the film around two-time Oscar Winner Sally Field. Director Olivia Newman’s big achievement is giving Field the space to do her magic. Sure, it’s a bit like her “Hello, My Name is Doris” role, and granted, there are many eye-roll moments in the script. Yet, “Creatures” lands that emotional ending even if it manipulates us a bit to get there.
Scared by the death of her young son, widowed Tova (Field) steers clear of town gossip, spending most of her time polishing up the local aquarium after hours. She takes great pride in her work, but the seemingly one-way relationship with the 60lbs giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus is one of her greatest joys. An accident on the job leaves Tova with a sprained ankle, and the aquarium hires Cameron, the drifter (Lewis Pullman), to fill her position. Stuck in town waiting for his van to be repaired, Cameron came to the coastal town in search of his elusive father. Tova and Cameron strike up an unbalanced friendship, mostly her instructing him on how to be a better human. Marcellus makes both their lives more interesting with escapes and adventures. As he nears the end of his life, he wants to give back to these two creatures who have shown him such kindness.
Field is no stranger to playing mothers or mothers grieving over children. She’s built a career-length masterclass in empathy.
As a filmmaker, Newman gravitates towards adapting novels that contain unbelievable coincidences like her previous “Where the Crawdads Sing”. Simultaneously, these stories also have a very defined sense of place. The sleepy, grey Northwest Coast of Washington provides a wild and cozy feeling. Texture is a big part of the film, whether it’s Marcellus tentacles, Tova’s knitwear, or the wooden interior of Tova’s sea view home. There are also varying emotional textures in the script. Lighthearted, funny moments blurred with lifelong sadness and grief. Field is no stranger to playing mothers or mothers grieving over children. She’s built a career-length masterclass in empathy.
In “The Sheep Detectives,” only the audience can hear what the animals are saying, which is the same as Marcellus. Molina’s calming voice works as the intelligent and seemingly all-knowing octopus is a treat. Pullman has long left his father’s shadow as an actor, but this might be the first performance where he is authentically memorable and ideally cast. “Remarkably Bright Creatures” doesn’t aim for critical acclaim, nor is it watered down for general audiences. It lands right in the comfort zone, reminding varying generations how lucky we are to have an actor like Field on our screens.
Final Thought
“Remarkable Bright Creatures” boasts terrific performances from Field and Pullman.