Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Animated animal rights adventure has threat, cruelty.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Mosley
What's the Story?
In MOSLEY, a mythical "thoriphant" breaks free of his grueling farm work for humans to go in search of the fabled "Uprights," a tribe of his species who might be able to free his family.
Is It Any Good?
An attractive, well directed adventure movie that naturally creates a discussion point about the treatment of animals without being heavy-handed. It's to its credit that Mosely manages to get just the right balance of depicting animal cruelty without being too explicit for a kids' movie. The cast help bring the world to life and provide a spectrum of characters. Rhys Darby delivers a typically light touch as thoriphant elder, Deaver, while Temuera Morrison is suitably fearsome as the animal tracker, Warfield. It's just a shame there is only one main female character, Mosley's partner Bera (Lucy Lawless), who is given little to do other than being pregnant and encouraging Mosley to start his adventure.
The movie is also ambiguous in its final message and its final act being neatly wrapped up by magic feels a little lazy. Mosley is at its best when shining a light on the conditions of farm animals and what it means to be a compassionate owner. Beyond that, the well-directed, exciting action set pieces and adventurer's journey make it a solid and enjoyable movie with lovingly crafted animation.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what messages Mosley has to say about the treatment of animals. How are the "thoriphants" treated in the movie? How should animals be treated?
Do you consider any of the characters to be role models? Why, or why not? What choices do you think you'd have made in their position?
What positive character traits does Mosley display? Would he have gone on his journey were it not for the encouragement of Bera?
In what ways could the movie draw parallels to slavery? Do you think that was a deliberate decision by the filmmakers?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 10, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : December 10, 2021
- Cast : Kirby Atkins , Lucy Lawless , Rhys Darby
- Director : Kirby Atkins
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and peril, thematic elements and a smoking image
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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