Turning Red
Puberty is a real beast for one little girl in Pixar’s latest, Turning Red.
Director and co-writer Domee Shi is no stranger to delicate family dynamics. Her debut short Bao won an Oscar for exploring empty nest syndrome via adorable anthropomorphic dumplings. Here, Shi shines by fully fleshing out just how weird and awkward it is to grow up, especially if you’re close to your parents. Shi infuses the movie with little quirks and details that make Mei’s journey through puberty more than a smelly red panda joke.
And while one might not think a movie about turning into a panda is infused with realism, Turning Red is filled with little moments that brought up memories for your over-the-hill reviewer and her movie companion.
In the grand tradition of all Pixar films, the serious story is somewhat balanced by a heaping help of silliness. There’s plenty in Turning Red to keep younger audiences entertained while older ones learn lessons about maturity and communication. But while this movie tells a worthy story filled with fascinating specific cultural details and universal truths, it doesn’t hit at the heart of the subject as ruthlessly as Luca or Toy Story. You won’t need to bring the tissues—which may be a relief to some Pixar fans—but lacking a tear-jerker moment is just a tiny ding on an otherwise impressive film.
