The highly anticipated film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures, is already moving audiences to tears ahead of its release. Directed by Olivia Newman, the emotional story explores grief, aging, loneliness, and the unexpected connections that can change a life forever — led by the powerful pairing of Sally Field and Lewis Pullman. 

At the heart of the film is the deeply natural chemistry between Field’s grieving yet fiercely independent Tova and Pullman’s lost young drifter, Cameron. Both stars revealed that many of their strongest scenes came through improvisation, creating moments that felt painfully real. Pullman admitted he felt like “a lightweight in the ring with a heavyweight” acting beside Field, while Field praised his completely immersive performance.

One of the film’s most emotional additions comes in a brand-new open mic scene not featured in the original novel. During filming, Pullman — who is actually a drummer — had to sing and play guitar live on set, something he reportedly dreaded. But according to both Field and author Shelby Van Pelt, the performance became unforgettable, with Van Pelt revealing she quietly cried while watching the scene unfold behind the cameras. 

Beyond its emotional human story, Remarkably Bright Creatures also dives into the mysterious beauty of the ocean through Marcellus, the highly intelligent giant Pacific octopus at the center of the story. Director Olivia Newman used breathtaking underwater footage captured by local divers to create a world that feels magical, intimate, and full of wonder.