Strange World (2022) – A Visual Adventure

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 Disney fairy tale format, opting for an original story inspired by pulp adventure classics and mid-20th-century science fiction.

With a strong focus on family legacy, exploration, diversity and the environment, Strange World It attempts to offer a profound and visually fascinating narrative, aimed at a family audience, but with ideas that appeal to multiple generations.

Synopsis

In the mysterious world of Avalonia, an isolated civilization thrives on 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 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 Pando and living a quiet life with his wife Meridian (Gabrielle Union) and her teenage son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White).

However, everything changes when the Pando begins to inexplicably weaken. Searcher is recruited for an urgent mission: to delve into a completely unknown and dangerous underground world, where the answers to the mystery may lie.

What follows is an expedition that brings together three generations of Clade (Jaeger, Searcher, and Ethan), each with a distinct worldview, and that will lead them to discover surprising truths not only about their planet, but about themselves.

Cast (English voices)

• Jake Gyllenhaal as Searcher Clade: The story's protagonist, a pragmatic farmer who must return to adventure to save his world and his family.
• Dennis Quaid as Jaeger Clade: Legendary explorer, impulsive and brave, he represents the old ideal of conquest and heroism.
• Jaboukie Young-White as 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 as Meridian Clade: Expert pilot and protective mother, with a strong presence in adventure.
• Lucy Liu as Callisto Mal: Leader of Avalonia and organizer of the rescue mission.

Reviews

The film received mixed reviews. While some praised its ecological message, inclusive representation, and visual style, others noted that the story lacks emotional power and a coherent narrative.

Positive highlights:

• Original visual design: The “strange world” is filled with fantastic creatures, bioluminescent landscapes, and novel visual concepts that fascinate the viewer.
• Deep ecological messageThe film introduces a critique of resource dependency, environmental damage, and the need to coexist with nature, with a shocking final revelation.
• Diversity and representationEthan is an openly gay protagonist, something uncommon in children's animated films. Furthermore, there is non-stereotypical racial and family representation.
• Fast and accessible rhythm: The adventure maintains a family tone, with action, humor and constant discoveries.

Negative reviews:

• Predictable script: Although it raises interesting concepts, the narrative structure follows familiar 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 box office takings were remarkably low for a Disney film, with approximately $73 million worldwide, against an estimated budget of over $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 a lukewarm overall reception.
• Metacritic: Mixed reviews, with scores between 50 and 60.

Part of the lack of success is attributed to a scarce promotion, he 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 is yours unique aesthetic proposal:

• Creature designThe underground world is filled with strange, gelatinous, floating, and electric beings. The design is abstract and organic, avoiding any familiar human or animal references.
• Vibrant color palette: Intense colors such as fuchsias, greens, bright yellows, and bioluminescence were chosen to differentiate between the real world and the “strange world.”
• Fluid animationAs usual with Disney, the animation is impeccable. The facial expressions, movements, and environmental details are perfectly crafted.
• Soundtrack: Composed by 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 1950s and adventure films such as Journey to the Center of the Earth is clear and intentional.

Conclusion

Strange World It is a ambitious film conceptually, visually stunning and with a relevant message about the environment and the importance of changing our way of lifeIt is also a brave film in terms of diversity and family representation, which marks a significant step for Disney.

However, his narrative execution fails to match its visual proposition, and although it is entertaining, the story fails to achieve the emotional depth of other titles from the studio such as Charm either ZootopiaIt is a work that is appreciated more for what it attempts to do than for what it actually achieves.

Ideal for those who enjoy family-friendly 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.