Is the Octopus in the ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’ Movie Real?

Summary

The octopus in 'Remarkably Bright Creatures' is primarily CGI, modeled after a real octopus named Agnetha from the Vancouver Aquarium. Agnetha is alive and well, and footage of her was used to inform the CGI creation.

Key Takeaways

1. For the most part, the octopus featured in Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures movie—which began streaming today—is CGI.
2. But even though Marcellus the octopus is computer generated, he was designed after a real-life octopus named Agnetha, who lives at the Vancouver Aquarium.
3. Decider reached out to the Vancouver Aquarium to ask after Agnetha’s well-being, and we are happy to report that yes, Agnetha is still alive.

Statement Breakdown

• Claimed Facts: 70% of statements the article presents as facts
• Opinions: 20% of statements classified as editorial or subjective
• Claims: 10% of statements surfaced for additional reader evaluation

Credibility & Bias Reasoning

Credibility assessment: The article relies on direct quotes from the director and information from the Vancouver Aquarium, providing verifiable details. It clearly distinguishes between CGI and real-life elements, enhancing its trustworthiness.

Bias assessment: Enthusiastic Entertainment Reporting. The article adopts a positive and engaging tone, typical of entertainment journalism. It aims to inform fans about the movie's production while maintaining an enthusiastic outlook on the subject matter.

Note: This article provides factual information about the movie's production, but its enthusiastic tone may influence reader perception.

Credibility flag: Informative, but leans positive

Claimed Facts (8)

• This is a direct statement of fact about the movie's production.
• This is a direct quote from the director explaining a production decision.
• This statement provides factual information about the CGI octopus's design basis.
• This sentence provides factual background information about the movie's origin and plot.
• This is a factual description of a plot point in the movie.
• This is a direct quote from the director detailing the visual goals for the CGI octopus.
• This states a fact confirmed by the Vancouver Aquarium.
• This provides specific, verifiable details about Agnetha's current status.

Opinions (5)

• While presented as a plot point, the idea of finding 'comfort' in speaking to an octopus is an interpretation of character motivation.
• The word 'delightful' is a subjective descriptor of the voice-over.
• The desire to be 'photo real' is an artistic goal, an opinion on aesthetic quality.
• This statement expresses the director's artistic intention and desired audience experience.
• This is a speculative and lighthearted suggestion, not a factual claim.

Claims (5)

• While generally true, the phrasing 'if they're lucky' adds a slightly speculative and less precise tone to a factual statement about lifespan.
• The phrase 'do their thing' is informal and vague, lacking specific detail about the VFX process.
• While likely true, 'a lot of imagination' is a subjective assessment of the actors' cognitive effort.
• The concept of 'eye lines' for an unseen CGI creature is a bit abstract and could be perceived as slightly dubious without further explanation of how this was practically achieved.
• Calling the actors 'amazing' is a subjective compliment rather than a factual statement.

Key Sources

• Author — Writer
• Olivia Newman — Director
• Vancouver Aquarium — Aquarium
• John Whittington — Co-writer
• Shelby Van Pelt — Author of the novel
• Sally Field — Actress
• Alfred Molina — Voice Actor
• Lewis Pullman — Actor