Netflix’s ‘Spellbound’ Could Be So Much Better, but One Thing Was Great

Everyone’s heart usually makes a tiny, or perhaps even a big, jump when Netflix releases a new animated film. No matter what age, there is something about animated movies that brings up some lovely nostalgia and builds up excitement about what important themes are tackled. In recent years, Netflix has released various successful animations, such as The Sea Beast, Leo, or Orion and the Dark, which draw people of all ages.

On November 22, yet another animation was added to Netflix, and the expectations were certainly high. The fantasy animation Spellbound was said to draw people in right away, captivating them with the movie’s magical world and important themes. However, the opposite is the case. Netflix’s Spellbound failed on many levels, but at least there was one great thing, and it’s all about Rachel Zegler.

Spellbound follows the adventures of Ellian, the tenacious young daughter of the rulers of Lumbria who must go on a daring quest to save her family and kingdom after a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters. Spellbound is directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) with original score from EGOT-winning composer Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled). A Netflix Film from Skydance Animation, Spellbound boasts an all-star voice cast led by Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, With Javier Bardem, And Nicole Kidman. Spellbound is 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

Cast 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

Runtime 109 Minutes

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What Is Netflix’s ‘Spellbound’ About?

Netflix’s newest addition to its list of animation is Spellbound, which was released on November 22 and has a remarkable cast of voice actors, including Rachel Zegler, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardem. Spellbound tells the story of a teenage princess whose life was turned upside down when her parents fell victim to a spell and were turned into monsters. From that day on, Ellian had to learn to stand on her own feet, yet she is convinced that her parents’ souls and minds were still captured inside their new bodies.

Dedicated to bringing them back before it’s too late, Ellian embarks on a chaotic journey together with her parents in tow. The goal of her quest is not only to bring her parents back in order to have them rule over the kingdom of Lumbria again but also to go back to the way things were. She misses their quality time, hearing their rules, and simply being a child, but what she doesn’t know is that things will never be the same again.

‘Spellbound’ Could Have Worked But Sort of Failed

Technically, a profound idea was there, but the implementation completely failed. Throughout two-thirds of the movie, the storyline was built up in a way that instilled the thought that there might be a chance this turn would go into a rather serious topic. Divorce. And, in fact, it did, but it was done so poorly that adults would question the pace and authenticity of everything. In fact, many parents are saying that Spellbound shares a damaging message.

Within the last 30 minutes of the Netflix animation, the actual issues were finally revealed, and the entire mood took a change for the worse. Just after their minds finally came back to the surface, even though their appearance was still that of a monster, the parents suddenly dropped the news on Ellian that they simply couldn’t go back to the way things were. They called it quits for good. Of course, they didn’t involve Ellian in their further conversation, but it only led to her being caught in a whirlwind of negative emotions and feeling like her parents didn’t love her anymore. After seeing their daughter in such distress, they realize how wrong they were for excluding her and forgetting about her.

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Fundamentally, the desire to share the impact divorce can have on children is commendable, but when such a sensitive topic is tackled, it should be with much care. The director of Spellbound defends the themes in the movie, but it still feels more like they put too much time into stretching the first two-thirds of the film in an unnecessary, even boring, way and then tried to stuff the rest in half an hour. The part that is actually essential to the story, namely the revelation of the divorce and Ellian’s feelings, is cut short, even though it would be exactly what could help children and teach them something valuable. Well, that is if it’s done properly, which, as already established, Spellbound didn’t really do.

Rachel Zegler Carries the New Netflix Animation

There is only one thing that Spellbound succeeded in, and it is choosing the perfect person to voice the main character, Ellian. Rachel Zegler, also known for stepping into the lead role of Disney’s controversial Snow White remake, is the actor lending her voice to the teenage princess, giving her the perfect speaking and singing voice.

Anyone who knows her from her portrayal of María in 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, though, her singing voice perfectly works for the genre of animation, as she effortlessly conveys real emotions and has an impressive vocal range. With such a lacking storyline, it says a lot about Zegler that she still manages to draw people in at least a bit.

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If it weren’t for her, many would probably switch off after the first 15 minutes. Zegler embodies the catchy songs in a way that lets the viewers imagine her standing in front of a microphone, wholeheartedly enjoying her performance, and vividly imagining her in the magical world of Lumbria. While the magical world, especially because of its poor visuals, and the story itself truly didn’t connect with the audience, Zegler’s voice did, nonetheless. Even though Rachel Zegler continues to upset people, there is no denying that she does have some respectable talent.

Ultimately, Netflix’s newest animation, Spellbound, doesn’t have much to grasp, neither for children nor for adults. It is a shallow attempt at taking on a sensitive and important topic that is relatable for so many people, young and old, but it feels more like it was done halfheartedly. Spellbound will likely remain nothing more than a quick watch during this season, only staying in viewers’ minds for a while because of Rachel Zegler’s enjoyable voice. Spellbound is available to stream on Netflix.

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