I first learned about Shelby Van Pelt’s novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures, from a local bookseller who recommended it to me. If you’re not familiar, the story is about Tova, a widow, who befriends Marcellus, an octopus at the aquarium where she works as a night janitor. Along the way, Tova meets Cameron, a wayward young man, and the two develop a friendship. Curmudgeonly Marcellus narrates the book and eventually solves a mystery that benefits both Tova and Cameron. The challenge is how the octopus can communicate his knowledge to these humans, who are “remarkably bright.”
The story blends drama, mystery, and magical realism. It focuses on themes of loneliness, healing, and intergenerational connection.
The movie version was just released on Netflix. I finished the book about 1-1/2 years ago, so I am a little hazy on the exact details, but it seemed like the movie was as faithful to the book as it could be. Sally Field plays Tova, and she was perfect for the role. The story is set in the Pacific Northwest, but the movie was shot in Vancouver, which looks much the same. I thought the movie aquarium building was so quaint!
I rated the book 5 out of 5 on Goodreads, and the movie was right up there, too. While reading the book, I couldn’t quite bring myself to believe that Marcellus could read and understand human speech, and I thought the movie handled these issues well.
I’m currently taking a screenwriting class. I have a long short story that I think would make a great movie. Instead of waiting for some screenwriter to notice it, I decided to become that screenwriter! I just finished the first draft of my satirical thriller feature film set in a northern Minnesota bog last week. I need to add a few more pages of content, but the script is on its way! I meet with my instructor this week to discuss it. Of course, I think it’s the best thing ever, but, like with my stories, I’m often quickly disabused of this feeling after receiving outside feedback. Then I sigh and put in more work. I expect it will be the same for this script.
My class was another reason I was keen to watch Remarkably Bright Creatures and note how the movie handled different situations presented by the book. I was able to visualize how Marcellus’s narration would be written in the script and how certain scenes would be described.
As another learning experience, I attended the Minnesota Film Festival, which is held in Duluth. I was able to sit in on a table read of a script-in- progress. (That’s where the entire script is read by actors.) I also went to a networking session where I met other writers in this medium.
I’m excited by screenwriting. I love its emphasis on the visual, which seems to fit with how I experience the world. It’s been fun to learn yet another form of writing (as if short stories, novels, novellas, memoirs, blogging, short-short stories, and poetry weren’t enough)!
Anyway, back to the movie. If you prefer a tight, suspenseful narrative, Remarkably Bright Creatures might not be for you. But if you enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of whimsy, this movie should resonate.
Marie's Meanderings 
Good luck with your screenwriting!
Thanks, Diana! It’s a new adventure.
I plan to watch the octopus movie. It sounds like a good one.
Good to hear! I think you’ll like the movie.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Bright Creatures movie, and maybe yours someday. Screenwriting sounds like an exciting creative branch for you.
Thanks, Shannon. I hope you do get a chance to check out the movie.
I loved this book! Thank you for the heads up about the Netflix movie. I will watch. 🙏🏼
I hope you enjoy the movie, too!
Octopuses are fascinating creatures. The octopus would be a great character in a movie. Good luck with your own film.
Thanks, Swabby! And I’d like to know how they got the octopus in the film to do all those things! Ha ha. I bet CGI came in very handy.
CGI might be part of it, manipulative training might be another aspect.
I really liked the book, and I expect I will like the movie too. Thanks for the review, Marie. And congrats on the screenwriting!
Thanks, Jennifer. I hope that your writing projects are coming along well.
Very slowly but surely, Marie!
How exciting for you to explore screenwriting! I hope you make it to the film stage someday. That would fun, huh?
We both enjoyed the book, so this will probably be our film for tomorrow night.
It would be SO MUCH fun to see my story as a movie. Let me know how you like Remarkably Bright Creatures!
We did enjoy the movie. Sally Field is excellent, as always. Certainly there were some changes and a lot of cuts, but it worked for me. I did wonder if it would all flow well for someone who hadn’t read the book, but you’d have to ask someone who didn’t!
You’re correct about the changes. Especially about the origin of the significant ring in the story. My impression is that the movie would flow well even if one didn’t read the book, but I’m in the same boat as you on that one.
I’ve been on the fence about this movie, though I love Sally Field. I’m sold now!
What a great opportunity to take a new step with your class project and the festival. The literary support of Duluth
Yay about the movie, Liz. Hope you like it! About screenwriting – it’s been cool to learn about a whole ‘nother world that exists behind the scenes out there. I’ve heard there’s a local screenwriting group and I’m trying to get connected with them.
I loved the book, so I’m going to give the movie a try!
Yay! Let me know what you think of the movie!
Sounds like a fantastic movie. Good luck with the screenwriting!
Thank you. I have 10 more pages to add to my screenplay. Wish me inspiration!
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Now I want to read this even more.. thank you!
You are most welcome. I hope you like the book, and thanks for stopping by my blog!
Love it
Remarkably Bright Creatures is a book and movie I loved too. One about community, mystery, and belonging.
I’m glad to hear that you also got to read the book and see the movie. Thanks for reading my post and I look forward to returning the favor!
Congratulations Marie…on being Freshly Pressed! 🎉 Well deserved.
What I enjoyed most was how naturally your words invited reflection rather than demanding agreement. There’s a quiet honesty in your writing that lingers after the last sentence, and that’s not something every post can do.
Wishing you many more readers, meaningful conversations, and unexpected connections through your blog. I’ve followed along and look forward to reading more of your work in the future.
Here’s to the next post, the next idea, and the next story waiting to be shared. 😊
Warm regards, Rohitash
Thank you for taking time to read my post, Rohitash. I appreciate your comments. All the attention is rather overwhelming, but I hope to return the favor and take a look at your blog in the near future.
A beautiful review for a beautiful book. Marcellus stole my heart, but it was the quiet humanity of the story that stayed with me long after the last page.
Thank you. And you’re so right about the “quiet humanity.” That sums the book up perfectly. Thanks for visiting my blog!
Oh I have heard great things about this movie and look forward to watching it soon. Great review and thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for reading my post. I hope you have a chance to watch the movie!
It was a lovely movie! All the best too!
Glad you found my blog, Ticia, and that you agree about the movie. When I get a chance, I’ll take a look at your blog.
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