Bewitched review: Netflix’s ambitious animated project with a Spanish stamp

Netflix premieres Enchantedhis big animated film is 2024. The streaming platform usually produces one or two high-profile productions each year that have even managed to make their way into awards seasons. This is the case Klaus, Mitchells against the machines or Pinocchio Guillermo del Toro. Now produced by Skydance Animation, a company created by Pixar co-founder and director toy story, Parasites And cars John Lasseter. A company with most of its employees located in Madrid.

Enchanted This is his most ambitious film to date. The studio is taking a new step forward in the industry by acquiring some of the best names on the world stage. The director of the film is Vicky Jensonwho once led Shrek. Among the screenwriters there are Linda Woolvertonresponsible for Beauty and the Beast and from Lion King. Person responsible for creating the soundtrack Alan Menkenone of the best composers in film history, winner of eight Oscar awards. Not to mention Lasseter’s aforementioned oversight from the production team.

Story Enchanted takes us to the fantastic kingdom of Lumbria. There is his young princess, Eliannow 15 years old. But he does this at the most difficult moment of his life. Some time ago, his parents became victims of a mysterious spell that turned them into monsters. Now the monarchs of the kingdom are just two wild beasts that the palace is trying to tame without much success. Meanwhile, the country needs a new leader to move forward. But the main character does not give up trying to lift the curse that struck her parents.

Careful animation

Animation Enchanted It stands out because of the enormous love and care put into both the characters and their surroundings. The film uses Mediterranean, Arabic and Hindu references to create a very rich and visually striking world. This is work of the highest level, which has nothing to envy to the largest animation studios on the planet. The company surpasses its own capabilities due to its impeccable technical aspect.

It’s true anyway that Enchanted One could have asked for a little more artistic risk. It’s a very well-made and attractive film, but its design follows the core elements that audiences have become accustomed to seeing over the years. While other companies, such as DreamWorks or Sony Animation, rely on revolutionary models with Wild robot or saga Spider versethis film offers no innovation.

An unexpected story

As for the plot, Enchanted It is also based on the basic structures of fantasy fables, although without a specific villain, but rather with a mysterious element called “Darkness”. In this case, his desire to be deeply reminiscent of the Disney classic suits him well, although at times it becomes too long and generic. It features a charismatic protagonist who earns points through brilliant performance Rachel Zegler in the original version. The girl lives on adventure, discovering magical places and avoiding unimaginable dangers.

Great Virtue Enchanted This is a story with a big heart. It all comes down to the essence of a teenager who just wants his parents back and back to his happy and peaceful life. While the humor is good and well-intentioned, the film also has some more serious scenes that touch on universal themes such as love, anger and the light within. In this regard, there are some very striking and fabulously executed episodes.

But without a doubt where Enchanted It really grows when his great secret is revealed at the end of the film. The film plays with great intelligence when it comes to hiding the harsh reality it faces. Elian. Throughout the footage, upon re-watching, you discover all the little clues that lead to the moment in which the cause of the curse is revealed. And that’s when the film shows that his approach to family change is much more original, surprising and emotional than it seemed.

To sum it up, Enchanted It’s an ambitious offering that sees Netflix bringing back the magic of Disney’s fantasy stories. A work that stands out in its storytelling, especially in its brilliant third act. Also worth mentioning are the good musical numbers, in which the music and images create the most spectacular shows. Obviously, the film is one point short of being considered one of the best animated films of the year. But the good work makes this movie enjoyable and surprising.