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Netflix drops first look at film based on ‘utterly charming’ book(Image: NETFLIX)

Netflix has given fans their first look at a must-watch new drama film based on one of the most acclaimed bestselling books of the 2020s.

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The upcoming feature adaptation of a startling and life-affirming debut novel will be released on the streaming service in May.

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Starring Oscar-winning star Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures is based on the book by Sharon Van Pelt and follows the surprising friendship between lonely widow Tova and a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus.

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Netflix has also confirmed this week that Marcellus will be voiced by none other than Alfred Molina (Spider-Man: No Way Home) in the film’s incredible narration.

The film’s first trailer begins with the film’s aquatic storyteller opining: “Humans, for the most part, are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”

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Sally Field plays a widow who strikes up some surprising friendships(Image: NETFLIX)

Netflix unveils first-look at new film based on ‘utterly charming’ book

One of Netflix’s most highly anticipated film releases has just shared a first full look at the cast and confirmed an exciting new addition

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Film
Lucas Hill-Paul Content Editor

18:04, 10 Mar 2026

View 4 Images

Netflix drops first look at film based on ‘utterly charming’ book(Image: NETFLIX)

Netflix has given fans their first look at a must-watch new drama film based on one of the most acclaimed bestselling books of the 2020s.

Article continues below

The upcoming feature adaptation of a startling and life-affirming debut novel will be released on the streaming service in May.

Article continues below

Starring Oscar-winning star Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures is based on the book by Sharon Van Pelt and follows the surprising friendship between lonely widow Tova and a giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus.

Article continues below

Netflix has also confirmed this week that Marcellus will be voiced by none other than Alfred Molina (Spider-Man: No Way Home) in the film’s incredible narration.

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The film’s first trailer begins with the film’s aquatic storyteller opining: “Humans, for the most part, are dull and blundering. But occasionally, you can be remarkably bright creatures.”

View 4 Images

Sally Field plays a widow who strikes up some surprising friendships(Image: NETFLIX)

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Remarkably Bright Creatures trailer

Olivia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing) will direct the film, which will also star Lewis Pullman (Thunderbolts*) as a young wanderer named Cameron whose arrival leads to the unravelling of a life-changing discovery that will restore Tova’s sense of wonder.

Author Van Pelt teased the film to Tudum: “Beyond Marcellus, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story of love and grief.

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“Those are two emotions that everyone who walks this planet feels at some point, so the themes are very widely resonant. There’s just a wide range of ages and generations and characters that people can enjoy together.”

The highly anticipated feature adaptation of the book is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest hits of the year, especially if rave reviews on Goodreads are to be trusted.

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Marcellus will be voiced by Alfred Molina(Image: NETFLIX)

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One five-star review said: “I don’t read a lot of literary fiction, but I was utterly charmed by this book. It was so creative and full of heart.

“I’d classify this as an extremely readable smart people book. Plus look at that gorgeous cover! Perfect for beach season.”

Someone else declared: “This might be my favorite book this year, and will also be one of the best books I’ve ever read.

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“I loved the ending although it was hard to say goodbye. I could have wandered around in their universe forever.”

Another impressed reader called it “easily the best book I have ever read”.

They went on: “The relationships as they develop through the book had me welling up in several parts, and watching their stories unfold perfectly with all the pieces in the puzzle coming together was a masterpiece in itself.

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Netflix’s must-watch film is based on the book by Sharon Van Pelt(Image: NETFLIX)

“This was honestly one of the most heart warming, beautifully written books I’ve ever read.”

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And a final user urged: “It is very rare for me to find a book I love this much. From start to finish, it is a masterpiece. Please read it.”

Check out the first images and footage from Netflix’s inspiring new film ahead of its release in just a matter of weeks.

Remarkably Bright Creatures releases Friday, May 8th on Netflix.