Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Disney's take on Christmas classic is colorful but intense.
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The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 47 parent reviews
Parents say the movie is a mixed bag; while many families enjoyed its stunning visuals, positive messages, and unique spin on the original story, others were disappointed by its weak character development and script. The film seems to resonate differently with viewers depending on their expectations, with some finding it a delightful family experience while others deem it too dark or lacking in essence compared to the beloved classic.
- mixed reviews
- stunning visuals
- positive messages
- weak script
- family-friendly adventure
- dark elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 50 kid reviews
What's the Story?
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS is Disney's live-action fantasy adventure based on the classic Tchaikovsky ballet. In this adaptation, Clara (Mackenzie Foy) is the middle of three Stahlberg children, who are marking their first Christmas since the death of their mother, Marie (Anna Madeley). Before their widower father (Matthew Macfadyen) takes them to a party at their godfather Drosselmeyer's (Morgan Freeman) home, he gives each child a gift from their late mother. Clara receives an ornate filigree egg that requires a key to open, along with a note that says "everything you need is inside." At the party, Clara's Christmas gift from her godfather leads her into a Narnia-like world called the Four Realms, where she hunts for the key to the egg and meets three of the land's three regents, including Sugar Plum (Keira Knightley). They claim that the fourth regent, Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), is trying to take over all of the realms. Sugar Plum implores Clara to help bring peace to their world, so the girl and her trusted new friend, nutcracker soldier Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), set out to save the day.
Is It Any Good?
This visually compelling adaptation should please younger holiday-movie fans, but even Misty Copeland's ballet performances may not be enough to enthrall those without kids. Which isn't to say that The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' expanded take on the classic Christmas ballet doesn't have an interesting premise. Here, Clara is no longer a passive observer but an active participant in defending and restoring the Four Realms. And there are certainly some moments of delight and wonder (Copeland dancing to Tchaikovsky's score, Clara's extravagant welcome party, the opulent sets and costumes). But there are also creepy parts -- like Mother Ginger's unsettling clowns, the teeming mice that form the giant Mouse King, and Sugar Plum's leering comments about the tin soldiers -- that feel like a departure from the movie's kid-friendly tone.
Foy is an undeniably appealing and expressive actor, and the film's young target audience will relate to her awestruck need to do what's right and what would make her mother proud. And the movie's Narnia-meets-Oz production design is colorful and evocative; you can imagine scores of elementary-age moviegoers feeling invested in Clara's adventure. But the storytelling falls short of being grand enough to replace the ballet as the definitive version of the Nutcracker. If anything, Copeland's brief appearances will likely make adult audiences long for a performance of the original ballet. (Plus, having such big stars in supporting roles makes the plot's "twists" somewhat predictable.) At least Foy's plucky Clara leads a charge and learns her worth as she defends this fantasy world. It's just that this Nutcracker isn't quite enchanting enough to become a classic.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. Does fantasy violence have a different impact than realistic violence?
Who acts like a role model in the movie? What character strengths do they display? How does Clara exhibit courage and perseverance?
Which parts of the movie were scary to you? Why? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
How do Clara and her father and siblings deal with their grief about the loss of Marie? What about the regents? Is there a "right" and a "wrong" way to mourn or handle pain?
Discuss the differences between the classic Nutcracker tale and this adaptation. What changes did you like? What, if anything, do you wish they'd kept from the original story?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 2, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : January 29, 2019
- Cast : Keira Knightley , Morgan Freeman , Mackenzie Foy
- Director : Lasse Hallstrom
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Arts , Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild peril
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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