Netflix has unveiled the first glimpse of an eagerly anticipated drama film adapted from one of the decade’s most celebrated bestselling novels.

The forthcoming cinematic version of a powerful and uplifting debut work arrives on the platform this May.

Featuring Academy Award winner Sally Field, Remarkably Bright Creatures draws from Sharon Van Pelt’s novel and chronicles the unexpected bond between bereaved widow Tova and Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus.

The streaming giant confirmed this week that Alfred Molina (Spider-Man: No Way Home) will lend his voice to Marcellus for the film’s remarkable narration.

Olivia Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing) helms the production, which also features Lewis Pullman (Thunderbolts*) as Cameron, a young drifter whose appearance triggers a profound revelation that rekindles Tova’s capacity for amazement.

Author Van Pelt told Tudum: “Beyond Marcellus, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a story of love and grief.

“Those are two emotions that everyone who walks this planet feels at some point, so the themes are very widely resonant. There’s just a wide range of ages and generations and characters that people can enjoy together.”

The eagerly awaited film adaptation of the novel appears set to become one of Netflix’s most successful releases this year, particularly if glowing Goodreads testimonials prove accurate.

One five-star review said: “I don’t read a lot of literary fiction, but I was utterly charmed by this book. It was so creative and full of heart.

“I’d classify this as an extremely readable smart people book. Plus look at that gorgeous cover! Perfect for beach season.”

Someone else declared: “This might be my favorite book this year, and will also be one of the best books I’ve ever read.

“I loved the ending although it was hard to say goodbye. I could have wandered around in their universe forever.”

Another impressed reader called it “easily the best book I have ever read”.

They went on: “The relationships as they develop through the book had me welling up in several parts, and watching their stories unfold perfectly with all the pieces in the puzzle coming together was a masterpiece in itself.

“This was honestly one of the most heart warming, beautifully written books I’ve ever read.”

And a final user urged: “It is very rare for me to find a book I love this much. From start to finish, it is a masterpiece. Please read it.”

Preview the initial photographs and clips from Netflix’s uplifting new production before its launch in mere weeks.

Remarkably Bright Creatures releases Friday, May 8th on Netflix.

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