Netflix dropped a trailer for Remarkably Bright Creatures, its upcoming film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel.
Van Pelt’s book, published in 2022 by Ecco, follows Tova Sullivan, who works the night shift at an aquarium in order to keep busy after the death of her husband and disappearance of her son. She forms a friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. A critic for Kirkus called the book “a charming, warmhearted read.”
The film adaptation is written by Olivia Newman and John Whittington and directed by Newman. Sally Field plays Tova in the movie, and Alfred Molina provides the voice of Marcellus, with other cast members including Lewis Pullman, Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, and Kathy Baker.
In the trailer for the film, set to Noah Kahan’s “Northern Attitude,” Molina, in a voiceover, says, “From this side of the tank, I’ve seen it all. Of all the humans, I suppose I mind the cleaning lady the least.” Referring to Tova’s relationship with her co-worker, Cameron, played by Pullman, Molina says, “I can deduce that the cleaning lady and the juvenile share a similar affliction. There may be potential for mutual repair.”
Later in the trailer, Field says to Pullman, “You have people who care about you,” and cuts to a scene of Field, holding an umbrella and staring mournfully at a gravestone.
The trailer ends with Molina saying, “Occasionally, humans can be remarkably bright creatures,” as Field affectionately places her hand flat on Marcellus’ tank.
Remarkably Bright Creatures is scheduled to start streaming on Netflix on May 8.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
