Enchanted review: Netflix film mesmerizes with mature take on divorce, but lacks spark
Spellbound is an animated film that combines themes of family and fantasy. It explores the effects of divorce through a magical narrative, but struggles to fully engage its audience.
Spellbound (2024) is a charming animated film set in the magical world of Lumbria, where Princess Elyon (voiced by Rachel Zegler) sets out on a quest to break the spell that has bound her parents, King Solon (Javier Bardem) and Queen Ellesmere has been replaced. (Nicole Kidman), in Monsters. Directed by Vicki Jensen, from a screenplay by Julia Miranda and the writing duo of Lauren Hynek and Elizabeth Martin, the film attempts to weave together themes of family, friendship, and resilience, but the magic doesn’t always work out as expected.
At its core, Spellbound delves into the complex emotions surrounding divorce and co-parenting, cleverly concealing them within a fantasy narrative. The curse on the alien’s parents symbolizes the discord in their marriage, and the strength of the story lies in its willingness to explore such an emotionally resonant topic in a family film. It’s an ambitious move, as it addresses the impact of separation on both parents and children, making it a worthwhile watch for adults who may find unexpected depth in the story. However, younger audiences may have difficulty connecting to the nuances of this metaphor, causing the film to deviate somewhat from its intended appeal.
Princess Elyon’s journey is one of self-discovery and maturity, as she grows from a carefree teenager into a responsible leader. Ziegler’s voice acting and singing bring warmth and gravitas to the character, even if the songs fail to stick in the memory. Despite the involvement of renowned composer Alan Menken, the musical numbers lack the magic and charm that one might expect. Ziegler’s vocals are technically impressive, but the compositions do not provide the emotional impact to match his performance.
Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman deliver charming vocals as the adorable monsters. Bardem’s singing, in particular, displays a delightful range, which feels refreshing from an actor known for his seriousness. Jennifer Lewis and John Lithgow also add a touch of humor and heart as the alien advisors, Nazara and Bolinar, who provide moments of both guidance and enthusiasm in the film.
Visually, Spellbound is a treat. The world of Lumbria is quite detailed, with vibrant landscapes and magical creatures that draw viewers into its fantasy setting. The animation is polished, and the script is tightly written, keeping the story moving despite some pacing issues. However, while the film starts off strong, its reliance on familiar tropes and predictable plot points makes it feel less original as it progresses.
Beyond its exploration of family themes, Spellbound struggles to stand out. The magical forest that triggers the curse is underdeveloped, leaving the audience with questions about its significance and purpose. The resolution of the curse feels rushed, yielding little in the way of emotional benefit.
As Elyan struggles to deal with the challenges she faces, she unknowingly begins to draw the curse towards her. This change forces her parents, Ellesmere and Solon, to set aside their differences and focus solely on helping their daughter. In a touching moment, they are united in caring for Elyan, demonstrating the enduring bond of family despite their individual struggles.
However, the resolution seems incomplete. The story changes quickly and shows Elsmere and Solon living separately and co-parenting with Elyan, leaving the audience yearning to know how the curse was broken and the emotional journey it took them on. Took it to the limit. It would have been impactful to see the parents openly addressing their relationship, helping Elaine understand the reasons behind their separation, and providing her clarity about the complexities of love and partnership. This additional layer of storytelling could have added both emotional depth and narrative satisfaction.
While the themes of divorce and co-parenting are admirably addressed, the film misses the opportunity to delve deeper into the magical elements that could have enriched its story.
As an animated film, Spellbound is neither entirely geared towards children nor entirely satisfying for adults, landing in a somewhat awkward middle ground. It offers moments of charm and poignancy but lacks the sustained magic to make it truly memorable. Although it is enjoyable to watch once with commendable animation and a meaningful theme, it falls short of the charm it seeks to provide.
With its strong emotional undercurrent and solid voice, Spellbound has its moments, but the uneven pacing and weak musical numbers keep it from being truly magical. A commendable effort, but not one that will create lasting magic.
