How is Pixar keeping things fresh after all these years?
For better or worse, Pixar continues to offer up its latest film on Disney+ (more access but taking that prestige of theatrical release away from this iconic company). But if it is going to be seen by more people on stream, it better be good, right? Luckily, Pixar has another winner on their hand with Turning Red. From the first trailer, this looked like a young girl-centric Hulk story. When a young Canadian girl of Chinese descent gets overwhelmed by any emotion, she becomes a big and fluffy red panda. But that is only the premise. What is the story? This family blessing/curse (you must see the film to fully comprehend where this truly lies) gets in the way of Meilin and her three best friends’ hopes to check out their favorite boy band (4*Town) in concert. The stage is set, and the fun begins!
Does the narrative offer up enough to engage the audience beyond its fun premise?
First and foremost, you can tell this is a passionate story and a relatable one. Now there are certainly familiar beats along the way. This animated journey will most likely not surprise you much. There are plenty of familiar beats when it comes to coming-of-age stories as well as maternal/paternal stories of tension. The third act of the film also gets just a bit over-the-top (for a film about a young girl turning into a giant red panda). But to offset this, the script is full of depth thematically as well as character-wise. Meilin and her crew (Miriam, Abby, and Priya) are all fully realized and fun characters who are a blast to be around. The way the film channels its themes about puberty, generational trauma, and friendship is layered and meaningful.
What about director Domee Shi?
Her screenplay balances its familiar beats, but the direction really soars. The balance between pure joy/fun with the film’s more emotional beats is quite impressive.
There are plenty of laughs along the way. The chemistry between our four best friends is fire and Shi knows how to really channel it. The first two acts of the film deliver almost endless laughs and charm. Along the way, there are plenty of moments where the familial relationships offer up some truly resonant emotions. The final act of the film might go BIG but it does with the emotion as well. This is a Pixar film, right? This film will deliver some powerful moments that will stick with you (one that resonated with me specifically was the third act scene between Meilin and her unassuming father).
But what about the rest of the technical aspects of the film?
For one, this is a beautiful film. Pixar knows how to make a gorgeous film. But what stands out about this one is the wonderful balance between its urban Toronto setting (filled with intricate details) and character designs that channel Asian culture well. This might not be the most photorealistic of Pixar’s films (Lightyear is looking crazy) but it has such a great personality. One of the other highlights must be the score of every evolving composer Ludwig Goransson. Do you need someone to channel a specific culture and still deliver something unique and moving? Goransson is your guy. Black Panther, Tenet, The Mandalorian, and The Book of Boba Fett are just a few examples of his incredible work. The score in Turning Red delivers beautiful Chinese tinges and elevates each scene with its powerful energy.
How about the cast that brings these animated creations to life?
When it comes down to it, the film is anchored by two strong and committed performances. Rosalie Chiang is as vibrant and engaging as Meilin. She has a charming personality. Her emotional range is important to the film as she is sassy and free but channels her insecurities when it comes to her mother. Speaking of…Sandra Oh is a powerful presence in the film. This stiff upper lip she has throughout the film is intimidating but her love for her daughter is always present. Oh also has to show some insecurities too…when it comes to her mother. Ho-Wai Ching is a great supporting addition to the film along with some other seasoned veterans like James Hong and Lori Tan Chinn. Orion Lee is unassuming but moving in his role as Meilin’s father. There is Meilin’s crew. Ava Morse is quirky and energetic as Miriam, Hyein Park is fiery and bold as Abby, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is calm, cool, and aloof as Priya. These four make for an infectious crew that this film is built on.
Does Pixar have another winner on their hands?
There is emotion and themes that are worthy of the Pixar name. You will get emotional and have plenty of fun as well.
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Disney+ will certainly be getting plenty of hits on this one because it is an absolute delight. But don’t get me wrong, this is not an easy ride. You will forget about the familiar beats and overblown finale when you get lost in this beautiful world and charming characters.
