Netflix Drops the Most Ridiculously Corny Movie of All Time: Sally Field & Lewis Pullman Star in Wildly Divisive ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

Netflix has just released what many are calling the ultimate feel-good (or eye-roll-inducing) movie of the year — and audiences can’t stop talking about it.

Remarkably Bright Creatures, which dropped on May 8, 2026, stars two-time Oscar winner Sally Field and rising star Lewis Pullman, with Alfred Molina providing the voice of a scene-stealing giant Pacific octopus.

Adapted from Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel, the film is a quirky, heartfelt drama about loneliness, unexpected friendships, and second chances.

So Corny It Might Give You Diabetes

Critics are sharply divided. Some are embracing the film’s unapologetic sweetness, while others are roasting it as pure cheese.

The Daily Beast didn’t hold back, calling it “so saccharine it’s liable to give viewers diabetes” and labeling it “the most ridiculously corny movie of all time.”

Other reviewers noted the heavy use of tried-and-true clichés, predictable plotting, and over-the-top emotional manipulation — but many admitted they still enjoyed it.

On the positive side, The Guardian gave it a warm 3/5, calling it a “gentle Netflix charmer” with a “sweetly effective and emotionally earned” third act.

TheWrap described it as “too heartwarming to dismiss,” while several outlets praised the strong performances for making the formulaic story feel authentic and moving.

An Unlikely Trio Steals the Show

Sally Field stars as Tova, a widowed aquarium cleaner who forms a surprising bond with Marcellus — a clever, curmudgeonly giant Pacific octopus (voiced by Alfred Molina).

Lewis Pullman plays Cameron, a drifting young man who arrives in town searching for answers about his past and ends up connecting with both Tova and the octopus in unexpected ways.

The film leans heavily into charm, gentle humor, and emotional redemption, with a supporting cast that includes Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, and Beth Grant.

Director Olivia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing) described the story as being about healing through connection — even (or especially) the most unlikely ones.

Audience Reactions Are All Over the Map

Since its release, Remarkably Bright Creatures has sparked passionate debates online. Some viewers are calling it their new comfort movie, praising the beautiful Pacific Northwest setting, strong lead performances, and touching octopus-human friendship.

Others are laughing at the sheer level of corniness while admitting they couldn’t look away.

One thing is clear: whether you love it or find it hilariously over-the-top, the movie is generating exactly the kind of buzz Netflix loves.

If you’re in the mood for something warm, whimsical, and emotionally manipulative in the best (or worst) possible way, Remarkably Bright Creatures is now streaming on Netflix.