Looking for your family’s next movie night hit? Spellbound, now streaming on Netflix, delivers a dazzling mix of adventure, humor, and heartfelt storytelling that will leave everyone enchanted. Directed by the legendary Vicky Jenson (Shrek) and powered by music from Disney titans Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid) and Glenn Slater (Tangled), this film bursts onto the screen with a colorful vibrancy and charm that’s impossible to resist.
A Royal Quest with Real-Life Lessons
The story centers around Ellian (voiced by Rachel Zegler), a spirited young princess of Lumbria who faces an unexpected royal crisis. Her parents, Queen Ellsmere (Nicole Kidman) and King Solon (Javier Bardem), have been cursed into monstrous forms. When they escape the palace, chaos threatens to unravel the kingdom. Determined and courageous, Ellian embarks on a quest through the mesmerizing (and sometimes terrifying) Dark Forest of Eternal Darkness to find the Lake of Light and undo the spell. But as she discovers, breaking the curse may not restore everything to how it was—an underlying theme that adds depth to the adventure.
Parents will appreciate how Spellbound blends classic fairy-tale elements with modern family dynamics, offering a story that resonates beyond the glittering kingdom of Lumbria.
A Feast for the Senses
The film’s animation is breathtaking, with dazzling colors and magical landscapes that feel alive. The adorable and quirky sidekick Flink is sure to be a favorite with kids, and Ellian’s parents—despite their monstrous forms—bring some of the funniest and most memorable moments (her mom’s newfound obsession with rocks is a comedic gem).
The music is another standout feature. Menken and Slater’s score captures the whimsical and emotional beats of the film perfectly, though not every song lands as well as it could. For example, “Step by Step” felt a little forced lyrically, with phrasing like “completely not okay” jarring against the natural rhythm of the melody. And while “My Parents Are Monsters” offers an entertaining glimpse into Ellian’s chaotic world, the film’s brief foray into breaking the fourth wall felt like a missed opportunity to dig deeper into the story.
Trigger Warnings for Families
While this is an excellent choice for family viewing, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Themes of family separation: The story touches on loss, and some moments may be sensitive for families who’ve experienced divorce or even the death of a parent. Shows parents in heated arguments and child experiencing feelings of abandonment.
- Visual effects: Scenes with swirling, bright lights in dark settings might be overstimulating for viewers with light sensitivities.
- Scary elements: The swirling “darkness” in the forest can be intimidating for younger kids. A few families with small children even left the theater during intense scenes.
- Gross-out humor: A bit of snot and some icky food moments might not sit well with all viewers (or snacks!).
Final Verdict
Spellbound is a triumphant mix of stunning visuals, laugh-out-loud moments, and emotional depth. Yes, a couple of songs could have used a little more polish, but that’s a small hiccup in an otherwise spectacular experience. With its lovable cast of characters, beautiful animation, and a heartfelt story that resonates, this movie has “family favorite” written all over it. Did I cry?? Yes multiple times. Being a kid of both divorce and having lost both my parents in my 20’s this movie hit HARD.
Grab your popcorn (and maybe a box of tissues), and let Spellbound transport you to a magical kingdom. Just watch out for those swirling shadows!