Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teamwork trumps prejudice in alien love story adaptation.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Smeds and the Smoos
What's the Story?
In THE SMEDS AND THE SMOOS, young aliens Bill (voiced by Daniel Ezra) and Janet (Ashna Rabheru) fall in love. Their respective families are fiercely divided, so the pair run away together. Can the Smeds and the Smoos put aisde their differences and convince Bill and Janet to return.
Is It Any Good?
This animated adaptation of one of Julia Donaldson's many beloved books is a stripped-back retelling of Romeo and Juliet for the very young. Emphasizing tolerance and understanding, Donaldson channels Dr. Seuss with playful nonsense words and a heartfelt call for universal kindness in The Smeds and the Smoos. The vibrant alien creatures, plants, and worlds are engaging, but—as with other word-for-word adaptations of Donaldson's picture books—the short and simple story feels stretched out and padded. Nevertheless, the positive message of seeing past differences shines through.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what message The Smeds and the Smoos was trying to tell. Were the grandparents right to not like the other aliens or was there a better way for them to behave?
What examples of teamwork and courage can you give from the film? Why are these important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits in your own life?
Were Bill and Janet right to not do what they were told? What were the consequences of their actions?
Have you read or watched any other stories by Julia Donaldson? How did this one compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 25, 2022
- Cast : Sally Hawkins , Ashna Rabheru , Daniel Ezra
- Directors : Samantha Cutler , Daniel Snaddon
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Black British Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Magic Light Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 26 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : January 3, 2026
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