Netflix’s new animated filmSpellboundhas immediately claimed a place at the top of the streamer’s global movie chart, but has taken a big hit in its review scores after sparking controversy over its depictions of divorce.The family movie has become the subject of many complaints from angry parents who are not happy with the film’s message that divorce is “okay.”
While the movie has been praised for its vibrant animation and a star-studded voice cast, which includes Rachel Zegler, Javier Bardem, Nicole Kidman, and John Lithgow, a significant number of reviews onRotten Tomatoeshave slammed the movie for having what they believe are “inappropriate” themes for children to be subjected to at a young age.
Spellboundtells the story of Ellian,a young princess voiced by Rachel Zegler, who embarks on a magical adventure to save her kingdom of Lumbria. After her parents are transformed into monsters by a mysterious spell, Ellian must uncover the truth behind the curse, while handling her own personal growth as these movies demand. With music by acclaimed composer Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater,Spellboundpromised to be a callback to several Disney movies of the past.
‘Spellbound’ Review: A Clever Parable Tackles Broken Homes
Princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler) of Lumbria ventures into a dark forest to break her parents' (Javier Bardem, Nicole Kingdom) monstrous curse.
However, there are several reviewers who have slammed the movie for “normalizing” the subject of divorce, which they believe is not something that should be“promoted as being alright”for young children.
One review by Kelley G said,“What looks like a cute animated movie about a young girl trying to save her parents who’ve been turned into monsters is just a moronic ploy to help normalize divorce to children. Don’t normalize divorce. It’s not normal.”
Another review from Krzysztof M urged parents to watch the movie first before allowing their children to see it.
“I STRONGLY not recommend watching the movie with kids. SERIOUSLY, as a parent, watch the movie first before showing it to your child and decide if your child should hear about divorces at their age from a movie for children! OR, prepare yourself for questions like, “mommy/daddy, will you leave mother too?!”. THIS MOVIE NORMALISES A SEPARATION/DIVORCE.”
‘Spellbound’ Director Discusses & Defends the Film’s Themes
Shrek director Vicky Jenson shares her thoughts on the reactions to Spellbound’s positive messaging about divorce.
However, there were others who appreciated the message of the movie, and pointed to the unavoidable truth of the world. Soccer C wrote with their five-star review:
“In the real world, roughly 50% of marriages end in divorce, and even in those that don’t, parents will still argue sometimes. This movie provides a VITAL message to kids that THEIR PARENTS LOVE THEM, NO MATTER WHAT…. If parents bicker, argue, or yes, even get divorced… NOTHING will change their love for their child, and the disagreements are between the parents alone, and are NOT the child’s fault… and yes, it will be hard at first but we can get through this and adapt to the new normal.”
Spellbound’s Controversy is Mostly Unwarranted
Despite the backlash, the movie has earned praise in some other areas. Critics have highlighted the quality of the animation, and the performances of its very capable voice cast, but the film is let down by its inability to match the many Disney offerings it attempts to be like. Some say it is a “hard slog” to get through the first hour, while others have noted that the film is very easily forgotten. Like many recent movies made for children, there will always be some parents who want to protect their young ones from the world, while others believe that doing so is just causing issues later when it becomes apparent to them that the world is not full of light and roses.
It could be argued that there have been movies tackling difficult subjects for years, and this is just something that seemed to be lost for a decade when filmmakers were afraid to push boundaries in the way others had in the past.Don Bluth’s 1980s movies likeAll Dogs Go to Heaven, which focused on death, andAn American Tail(a story that had a message about immigration behind its incredible animation and songs), are a good example of how movies have been handling difficult subjects for a long time.
Telling stories for children has never been easy, but in a world that is a lot darker than many kids shows and movies make out, it is sometimes worth allowing them to be introduced to some of its more mature issues through a bright-colored animated adventure than not being aware of it at all.
Spellbound
Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters. Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) with original score from EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). A Netflix Film from Skydance Animation, Spellbound boasts an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, With Javier Bardem, And Nicole Kidman. Spellbound is written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda and produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation.
