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Netflix Film 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' Ranks Second Most-Watched in Argentina
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ท Argentina /Culture & Society

Netflix Film 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' Ranks Second Most-Watched in Argentina

From La Naciรณn · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Netflix's film 'Remarkably Bright Creatures,' based on Shelby Van Pelt's novel, has become the second most-watched film on the platform in Argentina.
  • The story follows a widowed woman who forms a deep friendship with a giant Pacific octopus at an aquarium, helping her rediscover joy while uncovering a mystery.
  • The film, which stars Sally Field and features Alfred Molina as the voice of the octopus, explores themes of love and grief.

Netflix's "Remarkably Bright Creatures" is captivating audiences in Argentina, securing the second most-watched spot on the platform shortly after its release. The film, an adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's bestselling 2023 novel, centers on Tova, a recently widowed woman who finds solace and an unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus at her town's aquarium.

Their bond develops as Tova navigates her grief, with Marcellus, voiced by Alfred Molina, not only becoming a confidant but also the story's narrator. The narrative expands with the arrival of Cameron, a young drifter searching for his family, leading the trio to unravel a mystery that brings a sense of wonder back into their lives.

One of the places where I could find a really good character was on YouTube, watching videos of mischievous octopuses that escaped from their enclosures or simply caused mischief in aquariums. I remember thinking that it would be a very fun voice to write, a very fun character to develop. The character of Marcellus emerged from a small vignette I wrote in a continuing education course.

โ€” Shelby Van PeltThe author of the novel 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' explained her inspiration for the octopus character Marcellus to Netflix.

Van Pelt drew inspiration from YouTube videos of octopuses for Marcellus's character, aiming to create a tale rich in "love and grief." The film's themes resonate universally, touching on emotions experienced by people of all ages. Sally Field portrays Tova, and Lewis Pullman plays Cameron, in a story that has struck a chord with viewers seeking connection and emotional depth.

It is a story about love and grief. These are two emotions that everyone who inhabits this planet experiences at some point, so the themes have great resonance. There is a wide range of ages, generations, and characters that people can enjoy.

โ€” Shelby Van PeltThe author described the universal themes of her novel and the film adaptation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Naciรณn in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.