Spellbound, the newly minted animated musical from Skydance Animation, marks a significant step for the studio as it attempts to carve out its niche alongside industry giants like Disney and Pixar. Directed by Vicky Jenson, known for her work on Shrek, the film features Rachel Zegler as its young heroine, Ellian. Joining her are heavyweights like Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, who play her transformed parents, adding star power to this imaginative tale of family, loss, and adventure.
Set against the backdrop of the fantasy kingdom of Lumbria, Spellbound tells the story of Princess Ellian, who has been heroically managing the kingdom since her parents were cursed and transformed—her father, King Solon, morphs from a benevolent ruler to a bumbling blue beast, and her mother, Queen Ellsmere, becomes a fiery dragon-like creature. The twist? It has been almost a year since their transformation, and Ellian has been left to sort out the chaos caused by her monstrous parents.
At the film's heart lies the exploration of family dynamics—particularly the discomfort and challenges children face when their parents undergo drastic changes. This theme is representative of more serious issues like mental illness and divorce, but through its vibrant animation, Spellbound aims to present it as light-hearted fantasy. The film opens stylishly with Ellian lamenting, “My parents are monsters,” showcasing not only the magical elements but the painful reality she endures.
Music plays a central role throughout Spellbound, courtesy of the legendary Alan Menken, whose touch has graced numerous Disney classics. The soundtrack features several songs intended to capture the emotional weight of Ellian’s experiences, with “What About Me?” standing out as one of the most poignant moments of the film. The song itself encapsulates Ellian’s struggles, pouring out her frustrations and hopes with stirring lyricism, mirroring the depth the narrative often overlooks.
The film doesn’t shy away from addressing its somber undertones. The plot revolves around Ellian’s quest to restore her parents to their former selves before they face banishment. Accompanied by her sidekick Flink, portrayed as the quintessential adorable pet, Ellian ventures forth, aided by the Oracles of the Sun and Moon—played by Nathan Lane and Tituss Burgess—who add humor and whimsicality to the narrative.
While Spellbound presents itself as a colorful fairy-tale adventure, it grapples with more adult themes. Critics have pointed out the film’s struggle between being pertinent to children and addressing the discomfort of family issues head-on. The whimsical dialogues often lighten the heavy content, steering audiences away from introspection, which some feel diminishes the potential impact of its underlying messages.
Some reviews highlight the missed opportunity to deeply explore the intricacies of Ellian’s emotions and relationships within her family. The narrative sometimes feels rushed, not providing enough backstory about the family's dynamics prior to the curse. Moments spent on past happiness are merely flashbacks rather than impactful narrative shifters, leaving viewers craving more substance where it matters most.
The visual artistry of Spellbound reflects the high standards expected of animated features today. It’s clean, vivid, and captivating, drawing viewers with its enchanting landscapes and imaginative character designs. The animation style often elicits nostalgia, beckoning comparisons to classics spawned from multi-decade efforts, particularly those of Disney's renaissance era.
Despite its colorful shell, Spellbound has been met with mixed reactions from critics. While many applaud its ambitious storytelling and charm, the film’s emotional reach is often overshadowed by its spirited adventure and fantasy elements. Lovia Gyarkye from The Hollywood Reporter describes Spellbound as fun yet familiar, hinting at how it barely brushes the surface of its ambitious themes without fully committing to the depth they could provide.
Peter Debruge from Variety notes the potential for lessons on coping with familial changes, yet aligns with the sentiment of hidden depths waiting to be revealed. "Ellian’s story could have explored coping mechanisms far more vividly, but instead, it dances on the edges,” he concludes. This ambivalence distills the film's essence—a beautiful spectacle at times overshadowed by its own narrative confines.
Despite its criticisms and tonal fluctuations, many audiences find solace and resonance within the tale of Ellian as she navigates through her internal struggles amid tension and mischief. While the film calls for introspective engagement, its appeal primarily lies within the youthful spirit it imbues through animation and music.
Overall, Spellbound aims to be both entertaining and thought-provoking but walks the line lightly, unsure if it wants to embrace its whimsical fairy tale elements or dig deep beneath the surface of familial ties. With spectacular performances, particularly from Zegler, Bardem, and Kidman, Spellbound might not soar high above the competition but firmly plants its feet as a pleasurable family venture available for streaming now on Netflix. The adaptation of complex themes deserves recognition, even if its execution leaves much to be desired.
