We all have difficult things in our lives; tragedies that can leave us feeling stuck and alone. What we do when those things happen, and how we find a way forward are part of the journey. And, often, help comes from the most unexpected of places.

That’s the case with Remarkably Bright Creatures, based on the novel from Shelby Van Pelt, that is now streaming on Netflix. It’s a powerful drama that will appeal to everyone looking for some joy and a good story.

The film follows Tova (Sally Field), a woman living in a small seaside town. Her husband has passed, and her son disappeared on the sea years earlier. That has left her alone in this beautiful home, working nights as a cleaner at a local aquarium. There, she befriends an octopus named Marcellus (Alfred Molina) who has an ability to see the world.

Marcellus guides us on this journey. He explains how he got to the aquarium, his dreams of the sea, and the way Tova has brightened his journey with her stories and commitment to keeping order in the aquarium. He also remarks on how sad she seems to be.

That changes for both of them when Tova is injured and needs to take a step back. She’s also weighing whether to move to a senior living facility and give up the life she’s known. A drifter new to town, Cameron (Lewis Pullman), arrives around that time. His mother has died and he’s looking for the father he never knew, tracking him to the town where he’s a real estate developer.

When Cameron’s car breaks down, he’s stranded and in need of temporary work. He’s hired to fill Tova’ spot at nights, and quickly bonds with her and Marcellus. They both end up finding in each other something they have been desperately seeking.

This film comes from director Olivia Newman, who co-wrote the script. She has a feel for this world and the story here. She creates something powerful and emotional that pulls you in from the jump and keeps you hooked along the ride.

That’s not to say that the story is terribly mysterious. It’s fairly easy to guess where it’s all going. But it’s not about the destination here, it’s about the journey. And this is one heck of a journey.

Field gives a great performance in the lead role. You feel the depth of her emotional journey throughout this film. And she finds a great screen partner in Pullman. They have a great back-and-forth that keeps you riveted as you go through the film, leading all the way to the ending.

Finally, I never thought I’d be so emotionally invested in an Octopus. And yet, Marcellus is a delightful character and Molina gives him such a moving voice. His arc and story is perhaps the most crucial and emotional of them all. It brings plenty of joy and pathos to the story.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is one of the most delightful surprises of the year so far. I loved the film and had a blast watching it. This is a great one to check out, maybe even with your mom, this weekend on Netflix!

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.