Some films entertain you for two hours. Others like Remarkably Bright Creatures quietly stay with you for days afterwards.
Some films arrive loudly.
Explosions. Plot twists. End-of-the-world stakes. Fast edits designed to keep your attention every second.
And then, every so often, a story arrives quietly… and somehow leaves a deeper mark.
Remarkably Bright Creatures, available on Netflix from May 2026, is one of those rare films and stars Sally Field and Lewis Pullman in Olivia Newman’s adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel.
This beautifully gentle adaptation captures something many modern films forget: not every meaningful story has to shout.
At its heart, this is a film about connection. Not the dramatic cinematic kind. The quieter kind. The human kind. The sort found in routines, kindness, grief, curiosity, and the little rituals that quietly hold life together.
Why We Sometimes Write About Films at The Health Dispensary
People are often surprised when a pharmacy and wellness clinic talks about books, films, connection, purpose, or emotional wellbeing.
But health is rarely just about prescriptions and blood tests.
Sometimes health is also about the nervous system slowing down. Feeling emotionally connected. Laughing. Crying. Feeling seen. Being reminded that gentleness still exists in the world.
At The Health Dispensary, we believe Feel Good Living is built from many small things — conversations, community, meaningful routines, nutrition, movement, sleep, purpose, kindness… and sometimes even a beautifully written film that quietly changes your perspective for a few hours.
Stories can nourish people too.
Marcellus Might Steal Your Heart
Without venturing into spoiler territory, Marcellus — the wonderfully observant octopus — is impossible not to love.
Sharp, witty, and unexpectedly perceptive, he becomes far more than a novelty character. There is something oddly comforting about the way he watches human life unfold with both amusement and understanding.
Yet the emotional centre of the story may actually be Tova, played beautifully by Sally Field.
Her character feels grounded in a world that often rushes past people like her. There is something deeply calming about watching somebody move through life with care and intention.
Cleaning properly. Showing up. Doing small tasks well. Paying attention.
The film quietly reminds us that dignity can exist in ordinary routines.
In an age of constant noise, urgency, notifications, and endless scrolling, there is something emotionally nourishing about watching somebody simply take pride in doing things thoughtfully.
Sometimes emotional wellbeing is not found in dramatic change.
Sometimes it is found in routines, meaningful conversations, kindness, and being fully present in small everyday moments.
A Film That Understands Loneliness Without Becoming Heavy
One of the most impressive things about Remarkably Bright Creatures is its tone.
It acknowledges loneliness, grief, ageing, and missed connections — but never becomes bleak.
Instead, it gently explores how people can still find humour, friendship, purpose, and connection in unexpected places.
The result feels comforting rather than emotionally draining.
It is the cinematic equivalent of slowing down enough to notice sunlight through a window, a good cup of coffee, or a meaningful conversation you did not expect to have that day.
Not every film needs to leave you emotionally shattered to leave you changed.
Sometimes being quietly comforted is enough.
The Beauty of Vancouver and British Columbia
The filming locations deserve enormous credit too. The landscapes of Vancouver and British Columbia give the entire film a soft, reflective atmosphere that perfectly suits the story.
For those lucky enough to have visited British Columbia before, the film may stir something nostalgic too (it did for me).
It captures that Pacific Northwest vibe beautifully — peaceful, reflective, cosy and grounded in nature.
Why This Feel Good Film Feels So Timely
Modern life often rewards speed.
Fast opinions, Fast entertainment, Fast food, Fast conversations.
Remarkably Bright Creatures gently moves in the opposite direction.
It reminds us that emotional nourishment is often built through:
- noticing people properly
- maintaining routines
- caring for something
- finding moments of wonder
- allowing connection to happen naturally
- being fully present in ordinary life
Perhaps that is why the film feels so comforting. It gently reminds us that life does not always need to be louder, faster, or more dramatic to feel meaningful.
Sometimes the smallest moments are the ones that stay with us the longest.
Final Thoughts
Remarkably Bright Creatures is not simply a film about an octopus.
It is a film about tenderness, observation, grief softened by connection, and rediscovering warmth in ordinary life.
Gentle films can sometimes be the most healing.
And this one quietly reminds us that small moments still matter.
Written by Ali Sparkes, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist & Founder of The Health Dispensary
