Sally Field Bonds With Octopus in 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' First Look

Sally Field is making a very unusual new friend—and this one has eight arms.

In PEOPLE's exclusive first look at 'Remarkably Bright Creatures,' Field's character strikes up an unexpected bond with a giant Pacific octopus, proving that friendship can show up in the most surprising places.

The film is based on the bestselling 2022 novel by Shelby Van Pelt, which was selected for Jenna Bush Hager's book club. Directed by Olivia Newman, known for 'Where the Crawdads Sing,' the emotional drama begins streaming on Netflix on 8th May.

What is 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' About?

Field, a two-time Oscar winner, plays Tova, a widow who works the night shift cleaning at a local aquarium. There, she develops a special bond with Marcellus, a remarkably intelligent octopus. When a troubled young man named Cameron arrives in town searching for family, he finds friendship with Tova. Cameron is played by Lewis Pullman.

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Together, Tova, Cameron and Marcellus uncover a mystery that leads to a powerful discovery and helps them rediscover hope and wonder.

The cast also includes Joan Chen, Kathy Baker and Beth Grant as Tova's close-knit group of friends, affectionately known as the Knitwits. Colm Meaney plays shop owner Ethan, and Sofia Black-D'Elia appears as Avery, a paddle-boarder who catches Cameron's eye. Netflix will soon reveal the voice actor behind Marcellus, who also narrates the story.

Adaptation of 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'

Field has supported the project from the very beginning. Producer Bryan Unkeless gave her an early copy of the novel before it was published. After reading just four chapters, she immediately felt it had to be made into a film.

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Adapting the beloved book for the screen was not easy. Newman co-wrote the screenplay with John Whittington, working carefully to preserve the story's warmth and spirit. Field has said the story celebrates life, the connection between humans and animals, and the beauty of unexpected relationships. The team kept refining the script throughout filming, allowing the movie to grow into its own version of the story.

Van Pelt admitted she felt chills seeing her novel come to life on screen. She believes the film captures the same heart as the book, delivering both laughter and tears. She also teased that the movie includes even more of Marcellus, a character fans deeply adore.

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Filming of 'Remarkably Bright Creatures'

Although the story is set in a fictional Pacific Northwest town, filming took place in Deep Cove in Vancouver. Field described the location as stunning, recalling one especially dramatic scene filmed in freezing rain that added raw emotion to the moment.

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Field also shares powerful on-screen chemistry with Pullman. Interestingly, she previously appeared onstage in Arthur Miller's 'All My Sons' alongside his father, Bill Pullman, but had never met Lewis before auditions. From the moment he walked in, she felt he was perfect for the role. Their audition quickly turned into playful improvisation filled with laughter, and their natural connection carried into filming.

Newman said the pair's chemistry was undeniable from their first read together. Van Pelt agreed, calling it magical to watch them bring Tova and Cameron to life.

Now 79, Field found something new in playing Tova. She connected deeply with portraying an older woman fully embracing her age. Newman praised Field's honesty, noting that the actress wanted to show Tova exactly as she is, without hiding the realities of ageing. She described Field as incredibly authentic and impossible to look away from on screen.

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Newman believes 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' offers comfort at a time when audiences need it most. While it explores grief, loneliness and searching for purpose, it also brings humour, warmth and hope. Viewers can expect both heartfelt tears and joyful laughter—and to leave feeling uplifted.

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