I am officially calling it: Marcellus the Octopus is the breakout movie star of 2026. If you’ve been hanging around Brooke’s Shelf for a while, you know I have a massive soft spot for Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures. It’s one of those contemporary fiction recommendations I give to literally everyone, from my grandma to the guy at the coffee shop. So, when Netflix announced they were bringing Tova and Marcellus to the screen, I was both thrilled and totally terrified.

Can a movie really capture the internal monologue of a snarky, sentient Giant Pacific Octopus?

The answer, as I discovered after a late-night binge with a massive bowl of popcorn, is a resounding yes. Released on Netflix on May 8, 2026, the film is already trending everywhere, and for good reason. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the book or you’re just stumbling upon this story for the first time, this is one of those book to movie adaptations 2026 is going to be remembered for. And yes, Alfred Molina voices Marcellus, which feels like the most perfect casting choice possible.

The Story That Stole Our Hearts (And Our Keys)

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of meeting Tova Sullivan yet, let me set the scene. Tova is a seventy-year-old widow who works the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She’s the kind of woman who keeps her house spotless and her emotions tucked away even tighter. She’s still haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her son, Erik, who vanished from a boat in the Puget Sound over thirty years ago.

Then there’s Marcellus. He’s a Giant Pacific Octopus who knows exactly how many days he has left to live (it's not many). He’s also a genius, an escape artist, and a bit of a kleptomaniac. He spends his nights sneaking out of his tank to scavenge for snacks and "treasures" left behind by humans.

When Tova rescues Marcellus after he gets tangled in some stray equipment during one of his midnight adventures, an unlikely friendship begins. It’s a story about grief, sure, but it’s mostly about the magic of connection: even when that connection involves eight arms and three hearts.

Sally Field is the Tova of My Dreams

Can we just take a second to talk about the casting? Sally Field as Tova Sullivan is a masterclass in acting. She brings this quiet, sturdy dignity to the role that just broke my heart in the best way. In the book, so much of Tova’s character is internal: her memories of Erik, her stiff upper lip, her loneliness. Sally Field manages to show all of that with just a look, and the Netflix promotional stills really lean into that same quiet, reflective energy.

And then there’s Alfred Molina as the voice of Marcellus. Honestly, I was worried about how they’d handle the octopus’s "voice." Would it be too cartoony? Too weird? Nope. Molina’s voice is deep, sophisticated, and perfectly conveys Marcellus’s slight disdain for the "boring" humans he observes every day. When he calls Tova "the woman with the orange mop," you can practically hear the begrudging respect in his tone.

Book vs. Movie: What Changed?

Whenever we talk about book to movie adaptations 2026, the big question is always: Is it better than the book?

In this case, I think they’re two different flavors of the same delicious meal. The book, which you can find more about in our contemporary fiction recommendations, allows for a much deeper dive into Marcellus’s thoughts. You get more of his observations about human nature and his past in the ocean.

The movie, directed by Olivia Newman, leans into the atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest. The visuals are stunning: misty harbors, the glowing blue of the aquarium tanks, and the cozy, rain-slicked streets of Sowell Bay. It feels like a warm hug on a cold day, and the official Netflix-style stills absolutely sell that soft, polished, prestige-drama look.

One thing the movie does exceptionally well is the pacing of the mystery. While the book lets you linger on the clues Marcellus finds, the movie builds a bit more tension as Tova and the young, directionless Cameron (played by Lewis Pullman) start to piece together the truth about Erik.

Why You Need to Read the Book First (or After!)

I picked up Remarkably Bright Creatures almost as a goof: I mean, a book narrated by an octopus? But I stayed for the emotional payoff. If you’ve watched the movie and loved it, you must read the book. There are so many small details and subplots: like the "Knitting Club" friends and more of Cameron's backstory: that give the story even more depth.

If you’re a fan of books that make you feel all the things: like The House in the Cerulean Sea or Part of Your World: this is absolutely your next favorite read. It has that same "cozy but meaningful" vibe that we live for here at Brooke’s Shelf.

Initial Thoughts After the Credits Rolled:

• The Octopus CGI: Surprisingly good! Marcellus felt like a real character, not just a special effect.
• The Ending: Keep the tissues close. I wasn't just crying; I was sobbing.
• The Message: It’s never too late to find your family, even if they don’t look like you expected.

Is This the Best Netflix Adaptation of 2026?

It’s early in the year, but Remarkably Bright Creatures is setting a high bar. It’s rare to find a movie that captures the whimsy of magical realism without losing the grounded, emotional weight of a character study. It reminds me a bit of the emotional resonance we saw in the Daisy Darker review, where the setting becomes a character in its own right.

What did you think of the ending? Did the movie change anything that you wished they’d kept from the book? I’m still reeling from the final scene between Tova and Marcellus. It was just… perfect.

Wrapping It Up

If you're looking for your next obsession, look no further. Whether you’re streaming it on Netflix tonight or heading to your local indie bookstore to grab a physical copy, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a gem. It’s a reminder that even when we feel like we’re just drifting through life, there’s usually someone (or something) watching out for us.

And seriously, if Netflix doesn't give Alfred Molina an award for "Best Voice of a Cephalopod," I’m going to be very upset.

Ready for more cozy reads? Check out our latest reviews:

• The House in the Cerulean Sea – For more found family vibes!
• Part of Your World – If you need a contemporary romance to go with your contemporary fiction.
• The Summer I Turned Pretty – For more of that "coastal town" atmosphere.

Have you watched it yet? Let’s chat in the comments! Is Marcellus your new favorite character, or are you more of a Tova fan? (I'm definitely Team Marcellus; the sass is unmatched!)