‘Spellbound’ tackles real-life struggles that kids face such as, divorce and family breakdowns. Picture: X/@fangirlish
When you first watch “Spellbound”, it might seem like another princess flick. But you’ll soon realise that this movie has more to offer than just talking animals and happily-ever-afters.
“Spellbound” explores emotions that we often overlook in traditional fairytale, tackling the real-life struggles kids face that no one really talks about like divorce and family breakdowns.
The film takes an honest look at those tough, messy feelings that can overwhelm young minds, helping kids understand that they aren’t alone in dealing with loss and change.
The film follows Princess Ellian, voiced by Rachel Zegler, a young girl who unexpectedly finds herself in charge of a kingdom after her parents are cursed and turned into terrifying monsters.
While most princess stories revolve around finding love or saving the day, Ellian’s main focus is trying to fix her family. She wants things to go back to the way they were before everything fell apart.
The beauty of this movie lies in its relatable take on growing up too fast and dealing with problems you’re just not ready for.
Ellian’s journey isn’t about restoring some idealised version of her past but learning how to live with what’s changed. Her struggle speaks to a generation that’s starting to shift away from those fairytales that promise a “perfect ending”.
This shift in storytelling is something that resonates with where we’re at today. People want more than just escapism; they’re looking for stories that show that even though life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, you can still move forward.
A big part of what makes “Spellbound” stand out is its music. The music helps carry the emotional weight of the film.
The world of Lumbria is beautifully crafted, filled with magical creatures and lush, vibrant landscapes. From the odd, yet endearing, monstrous forms of Ellian’s parents to her quirky sidekick, Flink, the animation is stunning.
One of the most interesting elements of “Spellbound” is its lack of a traditional villain. Instead of a wicked stepmother or an evil sorcerer, the antagonist is a swirling mass of negative emotions called “The Darkness.”
This force threatens to consume everything, including Ellian’s hope and optimism.
Instead of focusing on external evil, the movie focuses on the internal battles we all fight, showing that sometimes, the real enemy is our own mindset.
Ultimately, what “Spellbound” does best is show that the fairytale isn’t always about a picture-perfect resolution.
Instead, it’s about the journey — the difficult process of overcoming adversity and finding a way to live with the hardships life throws at us.
∎ Spellbound is now streaming on Netflix.