Book & Movie: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

★★★★★

September 2026

The novel was completely wonderful. So hopeful, fantastically written. I was afraid it was going to destroy me (albeit in a good way) because of what people are saying about it but I just thought it was lovely. Fantastic characters, loved the narration style and was completely immersed in the world.

I was hesitant to watch the movie so soon after reading the book, but I found myself completely immersed in it, just like the book. It was different, and different in a very noticeable way – but it didn't bother me at all. I felt I was able to appreciate the movie as its own piece of art in its own way while still holding the book just how I read and felt it. The movie does such a good job of creating a visual world that is true to what you read that you can see and feel the differences and be okay with them. Definitely made me cry as well – which I was surprised to find the book did not (heavily, that is – there were tears escaping!)

A great example of giving movie adaptations their fair chance before pulling a "the book is always better" on them – sometimes, it is just different.