Bright (film)

Lore & Background

The film is set in an alternate present where humans coexist with orcs, elves, and other sentient species. Magic is real but illegal to practice, and only individuals called 'Brights' can wield magic wands without dying. The plot centers on veteran officer Daryl Ward and his orc partner Nick Jakoby, the first orc police officer in the US, who are drawn into a conflict involving a magic wand, an elf girl named Tikka, and a radical elf sect called the Inferni seeking to resurrect the Dark Lord. Principal photography began in November 2016 in Los Angeles and was completed by February 4, 2017.

Reader's Guide

Bright was notable as Netflix's most expensive original film at the time, with a $90 million budget. Despite harsh critical reception—with a 26% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 29—the film achieved exceptional viewership, leading Netflix to declare it one of its most successful original programs as of January 2018. The film's worldbuilding and social commentary were widely criticized, but its popularity demonstrated the streaming platform's ability to attract large audiences for original content. It spawned an anime spin-off film, Bright: Samurai Soul, in 2021, indicating its lasting cultural footprint despite critical dismissal.

Did You Know?

• The film was Netflix's most expensive original film at the time, with a $90 million deal.
• Principal photography began in November 2016 in Los Angeles and was completed by February 4, 2017.
• It spawned an anime spin-off film, Bright: Samurai Soul, in 2021.
• The film holds a 27% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 115 reviews.