If you're looking for a fun and meaningful family animation, 'Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken' is the answer. In 2023, DreamWorks sends a new wave for us to dive into a beautiful and dangerous underwater world. But what makes this film stand out is not just its stunning visuals, but its heartwarming story of self-discovery and accepting who we are.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Ruby Gillman (voiced by Lana Condor) is a shy teenage girl trying to live a normal life at a seaside high school. But the big secret she hides is that her family isn't ordinary. After an incident forces her to reveal her hidden powers, Ruby learns she is the heir to the legendary Kraken clan, protectors of the sea. She must learn to control her immense power and inherit the underwater kingdom's legacy, while dealing with a formidable enemy: a seemingly perfect mermaid girl who hides a dangerous secret.
Voice Acting and Characters
Lana Condor voices Ruby with depth, capturing her shyness, determination, and gradually emerging courage. Toni Collette as Ruby's mother is excellent, conveying a mother's love and fear as her daughter steps into a new world. Annie Murphy as Chelsea, the mysterious mermaid, is another standout, making us both like and dislike her at the same time. Supporting characters like Uncle Brill (Sam Richardson) and best friend Margot (Liza Koshy) add color and humor to the story.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Kirk DeMicco (from The Croods) balances fun and emotion perfectly. The underwater world is beautifully designed, vibrant, and full of stunning details. The underwater action scenes are fluid and exciting. The music enhances the mood, making it easy to root for Ruby and get emotionally invested.
Editorial Analysis
What makes 'Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken' interesting is its fresh take on the Kraken and mermaid myths, not as monsters and princesses, but as a story about prejudice and mutual understanding. The film challenges us to ask: who is the real 'monster'? It also weaves in themes of self-acceptance and being true to oneself amid social pressure, which both teens and adults can relate to. Although the plot is somewhat predictable, it remains fun and engaging.
Verdict
If you're looking for an animation that is fun, beautiful, and thought-provoking, 'Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken' is an excellent choice for families, especially teens finding their identity. This film will make you smile and feel touched by Ruby's journey.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Stunning visuals and underwater world
- +Charming characters with realistic development
- +Meaningful content with themes of self-acceptance
👎 Cons
- −Plot is somewhat predictable
- −Villain could be more complex
Top Cast
FAQ
The film is suitable for children aged 7 and up, as it has action scenes and monsters that aren't too scary, but also has themes that adults can appreciate.
This film focuses more on family relationships and self-acceptance than on high-energy adventure, unlike other DreamWorks films that often emphasize action and comedy.
Yes, there is a short post-credits scene that hints at a sequel or additional content, so don't leave the theater right away.
