Remarkably Bright Creatures (2026)

Widowed Tova is a custodian for her tiny seaside town's aquarium. She enjoys the work and has a special bond with their octopus, who has become an escape artist. When she's injured, the new-to-town Cameron is brought on to cover. Both Tova and Cameron are carrying trauma and wind up bonding despite their initial friction.

I really liked the characters here and identified with Tova's impatience and chosen isolation. I also believe that animals -- even when less intelligent than an octopus -- can often sense what we need and help us heal. But I also felt manipulated by the coincidences, even though there'd be little story without them.

B-