Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen girl faces peril, absent parents in animated tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Spellbound
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Parents say the movie presents a visually appealing story, but the portrayal of divorce and family dynamics is contentious. While many appreciate the animated adventure and its music, numerous reviewers are disturbed by the abrupt and seemingly lighthearted handling of divorce, suggesting that it normalizes separation without adequately addressing its emotional impact on children, leaving them confused and potentially hurt.
- animation quality
- mixed messaging
- divorce normalization
- emotional impact
- family dynamics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 2 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In SPELLBOUND, teenage princess Ellian (Rachel Zegler) is working overtime to make sure that the citizens of the kingdom of Lumbria don't realize that her royal parents (Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem) have been turned into monsters. It seems that they were transformed because they were overtaken by some kind of darkness. Ellian seeks help from the Oracles of the Sun and Moon (Tituss Burgess and Nathan Lane) to break the spell and return her parents to their rightful beings and royal positions. If it doesn't work, 15-year-old Ellian will have to take over as queen of the kingdom, losing her parents for good in the process.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet animated musical has positive messages for kids. Spellbound uniquely deals with important family themes in a way that's appropriate and understandable for children. The treatment is right on point, teaching kids that even though families don't all "grow in a straight line," family members can always be "entwined at the heart." The animation looks like other films you've probably watched, but its high-profile international cast, peppy Latin-infused musical numbers from composer Alan Menken, and engaging characters and situations make Spellbound a fun pick for family movie night.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea addressed in Spellbound that anger and dark feelings can transform people into different, even negative beings. What do you think about this?
How does Ellian react when she first discovers the motivation for her parents' transformation? What does she later come to realize about her relationship with them, past and future?
In what ways does Ellian show courage in dealing with her parents' initial transformation, escaping her counselors to try to find a solution, and in facing the future once the reason for her parents' situation is made clear?
Which was your favorite musical number, and why? Who was your favorite character?
Did the animation in this film remind you of any other movies you've watched? Which, and in what ways?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 22, 2024
- Cast : Rachel Zegler , Javier Bardem , Nicole Kidman
- Director : Vicky Jenson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Multiracial Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements and some action/peril.
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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