Octopi are getting attention. A few years back there were two documentaries that got my attention. Certainly they proved to be more unique than anticipated and I am glad to have seen them. How humans fit in is also fascinating. See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/09/for-me-this-is-year-of-octopus.html
"Remarkably Bright Creatures" (2026) is really about human relationships with plenty of misunderstandings, but Marcellus, the octopus is a key mover in the story. First he is a creature that Tova loves to relate to in her late night cleaning job and then to Cameron her replacement after an injury he also relates to Marcellus. But to clear up an misunderstanding that I probably share with my readers; although octopi are truly remarkable, the "Remarkably Bright Creatures" are the people Marcellus watches, analyzes. and strives to help.
Tova has suffered from a missing son. Cameron came to this small Washington town (actually filmed in British Columbia) wanting to right an imagined wrong. Marcellus can detects some unhappiness. Both Tova and Cameron develop new relationships and Tova pushes Cameron on at least three occasions to exceed his comfort zone and two of them work out.
A few words on Marcellus. We hear his thoughts, but nobody else does. I hadn't realize octopi could travel on land, but apparently for limited periods of time they can. He can change colors to camouflage and his body is so flexible he can squeeze through some very small openings. Marcellus escapes his aquarium and has to be retrieved by Tova and Cameron, in effect saving his life. We are vaguely aware that he is contemplating his own death. Critically with his natural talents, makes a move that resolves some issues and leads to a happy ending for the two leads.
A lot of work and talent went into this effort that keeps you engaged and, in the end satisfied. Here are a few.
The creator of the original idea was author Shelby Van Pelt who wrote the book.. She was inspired in a creative writing course looking for something unique. Going back to her childhood she recalls she was interested in aquariums, but mostly forgot about as she moved on to motherhood and jobs such as litigation consultant. Her grandmother inspired the character of Tova. "My Octopus Teacher" (2020) made a strong impression. Shelby was also an executive producer.
Olivia Newman was director, writer and executive producer. She has a B.A. in French and women's studies from Vassar College and a M.F.A. in film from Columbia University. She has10 directing credits, 5 for producing and 3 for writing including "Where the Crawdads Sing" (2022)
Peter Craig was one of the producers. He happens to be a son of Sally Field. He also has written 3 novels, one of which was adapted for a movie. Peter has 15 credits for writing, 5 for producing and 1 for directing including "The Town" (2011) and "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022).
Dickon Hinchcliffe was the composer. He has been a violinist for an alternative rock group, Tenderticks. He has 49 composing credits, 20 for the music department and 13 for soundtrack.
Ashley Connor was the cinematographer. She has also done music videos. Ashely has 86 cinematography credits, 10 for directing and 14 for the camera and electrical department including "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" (2018) and "Polite Society" (2023).
Tamara Meem was the editor. Originally from Australia, has moved to California. She has 26 editor credits, 15 for the editorial department and 3 for Visual Effects.
Mary Vernieu was involved with casting. Although a much sought after casting director, she runs a restaurant and wine bar in Los Angeles. She has 493 credits for casting director, 45 for the casting department and 40 for producing including "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" (2012), "The Whole Truth" (2018), "Knives Out" (2019). "Promising Young Woman" (2020), "Cruella" (2021), "The Good Nurse" (2022), "The Whale" (2022), "Gran Turismo" (2023) and "Rule Breakers" (2025).
Sally Field played Tova. She has been a Broadway performer and won 2 Oscars for best actress. Sally has 71 acting credits, 6 for producing and 3 for directing including "Norma Rae" (1979), "Not Without My Daughter" (1991), "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), "Forest Gump" (1994), "Lincoln" (2012), "The Amazing Spiderman" (2012), "Absence of Malice" (2014), "Hello, My Name is Doris" (2015) and "Spoiler Alert" (2022)
Lewis Pullman played Cameron. He is a drummer and has been part of Atta Boy. Lewis has 37 acting credits including "Top Gun: Maverick" (2022), "Lessons in Chemistry" (2023) and "The Sparling Girl" (2023).
Joan Chen played a close friend to Tova. The wife of Mao Zedong spotted her in a marksmanship contest and recommended her for movie. Joan has 101 acting credits, 5 for directing and 5 for producing including "Dim Sum: A Little Bit of Heart" (1985), "The Last Emperor" (1987), "Heaven and Earth" (1993), "1911" (2011), "Hemingway & Gellhorn" (2012), and "The Wedding Banquet" (2015).
Colm Meaney played Ethan, a good friend for everyone. He has been active in theatre on both sides of the Atlantic. Colm has 152 acting credits, 4 for soundtrack and 1 for producing including "Far and Away" (1992), "The Englishman Who Went up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain" (1995), "Parked" (2010), "The Conspirator" (2010), "Alan Partridge" (2013), "The Journey" (2016) and "Tolkien" (2019).
Alfred Molina was the voice of Marcellus. Born in London to immigrant parents. Alfred has 234 acting credits including "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (1989), "Not Without my Daughter" (1991), "Dead Man" (1995), "Frida" (2002), "The Da Vinci Code" (2006), "An Education" (2009), "Love is Strong" (2014), "Secret in Their Eyes" (2015),"Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (2016), "Promising Young Woman" (2020), "Three Pines" (2022) and an uncredited part as a patient in "The Pitt" (2024).
"Remarkably Bright Creatures" is an unusual film with its focus on an octopus, but it just proves that everything is connected. Available on Netlix.
As usual I have bolded films I have seen. This cast has really done a good circuit.
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