Packed house in Highland Park greets author, director of new Netflix film ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’

Despite the overcast day, the atmosphere was bright and lively inside Matchmaker Bookshop during a special Tuesday evening event.

A cool breeze that floated into the lofty space was countered by warm conversation from guests Shelby Van Pelt, New York Times bestselling author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” and Olivia Newman, director of the book’s upcoming film adaptation on Netflix (May 8 release date), who were on hand for a book signing and discussion.

“The event was so incredible. We were so lucky to have this, to be able to bring it to the community,” said Lauren Kardeck, owner of Matchmaker Bookshop. “It’s so interesting to hear Shelby and Olivia talk about the process of adapting a book to the screen.”

Mahogany bookcases were pushed to the side to accommodate the substantial crowd, who bustled and chatted as they took their seats upon blush pink folding chairs.

Beside a bookshelf lined with murder mysteries stood a pleasantly large poster for the upcoming Netflix film “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” its design matching the front cover of the titular book each attendee held in their hands.

The event began with Kardeck giving an enthusiastic recommendation for the film. With a hearty laugh, she said the special viewing bookshop staff enjoyed the previous night was “phenomenal.” She suggested those watch have tissues on hand but also prepare for an onslaught of laughter.

The book and movie follow the story of Tova, a 70-year-old widow who works at an aquarium in Sowell Bay, a fictional town in the Puget Sound region of Washington state. She forms an unlikely bond with a uniquely intelligent octopus named Marcellus and a wayward young man named Cameron, who arrives in Sowell Bay searching for family.

Newman said this was her third time with a book-to-screen adaptation. The characters, and how they felt “lived in and three-dimensional,” drew her to “Remarkably Bright Creatures.”

Both women discussed the research necessary to make the book and the film. Pelt said that she wanted Marcellus to feel as real as possible, wanting the octopus to perform realistic tasks.

In that same context, Newman spent hours working with a real octopus in order to have the digital effects of Marcellus feel authentic.

The women talked about how the film contains something for every generation. Though the movie conveys heavier themes, both Pelt and Newman felt it necessary to balance them with humor, which spins the film into a flurry of emotions.

Pelt and Newman described the relatableness of the characters for the audience, especially Cameron, played by Lewis Pullman. Pelt described how readers can relate to Cameron’s stubbornness.

The crowd giggled when she mentioned that everyone has a “Cameron” in their family, and “if you don’t know who that is, it’s you.”

They also talked about how Sally Field, who plays Tova, “fell into a dynamic” with Pullman during an audition. Pullman ran with Fields’ unexpected improv, and they tossed variations of the script back and forth, creating a chemistory that both the author and director agreed was wonderful to witness.

Pelt then went back to the beginning. She talked about the journey from writing her book to getting it adapted. She said her Swedish family became a focal point and muse for the “quieter” family that she sought to capture throughout the story.

She said having a community around her was vital, as she incorporated honest feedback on the various drafts of her book.

She joined writing workshops, book clubs and literary communities for support, as well.

When asked about what her readers will love about the screen adaptation, Pelt grinned and stated that she doesn’t know what her readers won’t love. She said readers can spot special moments or “easter eggs” from the book that may only appear on screen for a couple of seconds that she spent pages to describe

She praised the cinematographers for setting the right mood in the film and assured readers they will be satisfied with the results.

Newman also chimed in, displaying a rousing two thumbs up for the movie.

As the event concluded, anxious attendees lined up to leave the room and have their book signed.

Newman and Pelt tucked themselves away among the bookshelves in one of the shop’s alcoves, awaiting eager readers. Not only did readers get their name signed on the inside cover, but Pelt artfully drew an octopus next to her signature.

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