Netflix’s Spellbound could be so much better, but one thing was great

Normally, every person’s heart makes a small or maybe even big jump when Netflix releases a new animated film. Regardless of age, there is something about animated films that evokes lovely nostalgia and heightens the excitement of what important topics are being explored. In recent years, Netflix has released various successful animations such as: The sea creature, Lionor Orion and the Darknessthat attract people of all ages.

Another animation was added to Netflix on November 22nd, and expectations were certainly high. The fantasy animation Banned It was said to immediately captivate people and captivate them with the magical world and important themes of the film. However, the opposite is true. Netflixs Banned failed on many levels, but at least there was one great thing, and that’s all Rachel Zegler.

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the stubborn young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria, who must embark on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell turns her parents into monsters. Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek), with original music by EGOT award winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). Spellbound, a Netflix film from Skydance Animation, features an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, with Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman. Spellbound was written by Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin and Julia Miranda and produced by John Lasseter, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Bruce Anderson for Skydance Animation.

Release date

November 22, 2024

Pour

Rachel Zegler, Miguel Bernardeau, Giovanna Bush, Dennis Stowe, Jenifer Lewis, Dee Bradley Baker, Susan Fitzer, Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Olga Merediz, Rich Moore, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, John Ratzenberger, Vicky Jenson, Angela Grovey, Jessica Molaskey, Isabelle McCalla

Duration

109 minutes

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Read our review

What is “Spellbound” on Netflix about?

Netflix’s latest addition to its animation slate is Bannedwhich hit theaters on November 22nd and features a notable cast of voice actors including Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem. Banned tells the story of a teenage princess whose life is turned upside down when her parents fall victim to a spell and are transformed into monsters. From that day on, Ellian had to learn to stand on her own two feet, but she is convinced that her parents’ souls and minds were still trapped in their new bodies.

To bring her back before it’s too late, Ellian sets off on a chaotic journey with her parents. The goal of her quest is not only to bring her parents back so they can rule over the kingdom of Lumbria again, but also to return things to the way they were. She misses her good times, hearing her rules and just being a kid, but little does she know that things will never be the same again.

“Spellbound” could have worked, but somehow failed

Technically speaking, there was a sound idea, but the implementation failed completely. For two-thirds of the film, the plot was structured in such a way as to suggest that this twist could potentially turn into a pretty serious issue. Divorce. And it actually did, but It was done so poorly that adults questioned the pacing and authenticity of it all. In fact, many parents say that Banned shares a harmful message.

In the last 30 minutes of the Netflix animation, the real problems were finally brought to light and the entire mood took a turn for the worse. Shortly after her thoughts finally surfaced again, even though she still looked like a monster, the parents suddenly broke the news to Ellian that they simply couldn’t go back to the way they were. They have finally given up. Of course, they didn’t include Ellian in their further conversation, but that only served to send her into a whirlwind of negative emotions and the feeling that her parents no longer loved her. After seeing their daughter in such distress, they realize how wrong it was to exclude and forget her.

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Basically: The desire to communicate the impact of divorce on children is commendable, but when tackling such a sensitive subject, it should be done with the utmost care. The director of Banned defends the themes in the film, but it still feels more like they spent too much time dragging out the first two thirds of the film in an unnecessary, even boring way and then tried to wrap the rest up in one to accommodate half an hour. The actually essential part of the story, namely the revelation of the divorce and Ellian’s feelings, is shortenedalthough it would be exactly what could help children and teach them something valuable. Well, if it’s done right, which, as already stated, Banned didn’t really do it.

Rachel Zegler stars in the new Netflix animation

There is only one Banned it succeeded, and it is a choice the perfect person to voice the main characterEllian. Rachel Zegler, also known for starring in the controversial Disney series Snow White In the remake, the actress lends her voice to the teenage princess, giving her the perfect speaking and singing voice.

Anyone who knows her from her portrayal of María West Side Story or Lucy Gray Baird in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes will know that Zegler’s voice is absolutely mesmerizing. Most importantly, her singing voice fits the animation genre perfectly, as she effortlessly conveys real emotion and has an impressive vocal range. With such a poor plot, it says a lot about Zegler that she still manages to at least captivate people a little.

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If it weren’t for her, many people would probably switch off after the first 15 minutes. Zegler embodies the catchy songs in a way that makes viewers imagine she is standing in front of a microphone, enjoying her performance with all her heart and vividly imagining her in the magical world of Lumbria. Even if the magical world, especially due to the poor visual representation, and the story itself did not really move the audience, Zegler’s voice still did. Even though Rachel Zegler continues to piss people off, there’s no denying that she has some respectable talent.

Ultimately, Netflix’s latest animation, BannedHe doesn’t have much to understand, neither for children nor for adults. It’s a perfunctory attempt to tackle a sensitive and important topic that is relatable to so many people, young and old, but it feels more like it was done half-heartedly. Banned will likely only be a brief glimpse this season and will stay in viewers’ minds for a while just because of Rachel Zegler’s pleasant voice. Banned is available to stream on Netflix.