Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026)

'Remarkably Bright Creatures' is based on a bestselling book. A book in which a wise old octopus named Marcellus (here voiced by Alfred Molina) comments upon --- and later managers to get himself involved in --- the somewhat melodramatic goings on outside his tank, chiefly involving two of his caretakers at a Pacific coast aquarium. Played by Salley Field and Lewis Pullman, she's a widow, whose only child has also died and she's working mostly to keep busy, he is a van dwelling aspiring musician who is working because he needs the money. They live in one of those quirky towns populated by quirky residents, including Colm Meany, Joan Chen and Kathy Baker. There's a mystery or two, both leads get love interests and it's cozily pleasant. The material is perfectly suited to a modestly budgeted Netflix film and a mildly heartening 111 minutes. ***