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Strange World (titled Strange World in Latin America) is an animated science fiction and adventure film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, released in November 2022. Directed by Don Hall (Big Hero 6, Raya and the Last Dragon) and co-directed by Qui Nguyen, this film moves away from the traditional format of Disney fairy tales, opting for an original story inspired by pulp adventure classics and science fiction from the mid-20th century.
With a strong focus on family legacy, exploration, diversity and the environment, Strange World it attempts to offer a deep and visually fascinating narrative, aimed at a family audience, but with ideas that appeal to several generations.
Synopsis
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In the mysterious world of Avalonia, an isolated civilization thrives thanks to a magical plant called Pando, source of energy, heat and life. The famous explorer Jaeger Clade (original voice of Dennis Quaid) disappears during a risky expedition while trying to cross the mountains surrounding the territory.
Years later, his son Searcher Clade (Jake Gyllenhaal), who abandoned the life of an adventurer, has become a farmer dedicated to cultivating the Pando and leading a quiet life with his wife Meridian (Gabrielle Union) and her teenage son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White).
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However, everything changes when the Pando begins to weaken inexplicably. Searcher is recruited for an urgent mission: to enter a completely unknown and dangerous underground land, where the answers to the mystery could lie.
What follows is an expedition that brings together three generations of Clade (Jaeger, Searcher and Ethan), each with a different vision of the world, and that will lead them to discover surprising truths not only about their planet, but about themselves.
Cast (voices in English)
- Jake Gyllenhaal like Searcher Clade: Protagonist of the story, pragmatic farmer who must return to adventure to save his world and his family.
- Dennis Quaid like Jaeger Clade: Legendary explorer, impulsive and brave, he represents the old ideal of conquest and heroism.
- Jaboukie Young-White like Ethan Clade: Son of Searcher, curious, empathetic and with his own identity, he represents a new generation more connected to the environment and diversity.
- Gabrielle Union like Meridian Clade: Expert pilot and protective mother, with a strong presence in the adventure.
- Lucy Liu like Callisto Mal: Leader of Avalonia and organizer of the rescue mission.
Criticisms
The film received mixed reviews. While some praised its ecological message, inclusive representation and visual style, others noted that the story lacks emotional strength and consistent narrative.
Highlights:
- Original visual design: The “mundo odd” is full of fantastic creatures, bioluminescent landscapes and novel visual concepts that fascinate the viewer.
- Deep ecological message: The film introduces a critique of resource dependence, environmental damage, and the need to coexist with nature, with a shocking final revelation.
- Diversity and representation: Ethan is an openly gay protagonist, something unusual in children's animated films. In addition, there is non-stereotypical racial and family representation.
- Agile and accessible rhythm: The adventure maintains a familiar tone, with action, humor and constant discoveries.
Negative reviews:
- Predictable script: Although it raises interesting concepts, the narrative structure follows known formulas and sometimes feels superficial.
- Limited character development: Despite having good intentions, some characters do not evolve as much as expected.
- Lack of emotional connection: Some viewers failed to fully engage with the characters' internal conflicts.
Public reception
Strange World it did not achieve the expected success at the box office or among the general public. Its collection was noticeably low for a Disney film, with approximately 73 million dollars worldwide, compared to an estimated budget of more than 120 million. This made it one of the studio's biggest financial failures in the recent decade.
On criticism platforms:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 72% critical approval, 66% from the public.
- IMDb: score of 5.6/10, reflecting lukewarm overall reception.
- Metacritic: mixed reviews, with scores between 50 and 60.
Part of the lack of success is attributed to little promotion, the post-pandemic hybrid distribution model, and the strong competition with other more commercial animated films.
Technical and visual aspects
One of the greatest achievements of Strange World it's his unique aesthetic proposal:
- Creature design: The underground world is full of strange, gelatinous, floating or electric beings. The design is abstract, organic, and avoids known human or animal references.
- Vibrant color palette: Intense colors such as fuchsias, greens, bright yellows and bioluminescence were chosen to make the difference between the real world and the “mundo odour”.
- Fluid animation: As usual at Disney, the animation is impeccable. The facial expressions, movements and details of the environment are perfectly crafted.
- Soundtrack: Composed of Henry Jackman, brings excitement and adventure with epic themes that accompany the classic exploration tone.
- Artistic direction: The influence of pulp comics, science fiction magazines from the 50s and adventure films such as Journey to the center of the Earth it is clear and intentional.
Conclusion
Strange World is one ambitious movie conceptually, visually dazzling and with a relevant message about the environment and the importance of changing our way of life. It is also a brave film in terms of diversity and family representation, which marks a significant step for Disney.
However, its narrative execution fails to match its visual proposal, and although it is entertaining, the story fails to reach the emotional depth of other titles in the studio such as Charm or Zootopia. It is a work that is appreciated more for what it tries to do than for what it actually achieves.
Ideal for those who enjoy family science fiction, colorful adventures and socially conscious messages Strange World it is a film that, despite its lukewarm reception, will probably be revalued in the future for its audacity and originality.
