An octopus detective solves a widow's broken heart. Yes, really.
A lonely elderly widow named Tova forms an unlikely friendship with a curmudgeonly cephalopod octopus named Marcellus, but unbeknownst to her, Marcellus is on a mission to solve a mystery that will heal the widow’s heart and lead her to a life-changing discovery.
Acting
Sally Field makes grief feel like home.
Practical Effects
Marcellus somehow steals every scene.
Writing
Octopus POV that actually works.
Director
Olivia Newman
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Octopuses have three hearts and die after reproducing — the film weaponizes this biology for maximum emotional devastation.
Based on Shelby Van Pelt's 2022 debut novel that became a Reese's Book Club pick and TikTok phenomenon before filming began.
US
