Spellboundis Netflix’s latest animated adventure, one of the streaming service’s most interesting and lovable projects in recent memory. The story follows a young princess named Ellian, voiced byWest Side Story’s Rachel Zegler, whose parents are transformed into giant monsters. With nobody to look after her, the young girl sets out on a dangerous quest to reverse the curse and bring her parents back before it’s too late.Spellboundhas a fun castof recognizable voices that help bring this story to life, with the film’s bright visuals and catchy music doing the rest.

Alongside Zegler’s main character,Spellboundalso features actors like John Lithgow, Nicole Kidman, and Javier Bardemin supporting roles, which constitutes some undeniable star power behind the project. The production is the latest in an ever-growing list of collaborations between Netflix and Skydance to have animated movies released directly on the streaming platform. Incidentally,Spellboundis very similar to some recent Disney musicals, but parents may still be concerned about the story’s content before showing it to young children.

John Lithgow looking stunned in Dexter New Blood

Netflix’s Spellbound Is Rated PG For Thematic Elements & Peril

The Film Spellbound Has Some Upsetting Moments, But Nothing Frightening

Spellboundreceived a rating of PG (Parental Guidance) as a result of its “thematic elements and peril”. This rating likely refers to the upsetting scenes where Ellian is separated from her parents, as she’s faced with the immense responsibility of bringing them back before they’re gone forever. WhileSpellbounddoes a great job of guiding the audience through this story and never becomes too sad or distressing,these themes could understandably be upsetting for very young audiences.

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The transformation of Ellian’s parents into monsters may also be intense for young viewers, althoughSpellbound’s monsters aren’t very frightening at all. They’re large, colorful creatures that are continually friendly towards Ellian — nothing more upsetting than your average Disney movie. Theending ofSpellboundis emotional in a happy way, as Ellian’s parents are predictably saved and the family is reunited.

Ellian laying on the grass in Spellbound

Spellbound Is Suitable For Children

Spellbound’s Powerful Story Is Perfect For Young Audiences

Ultimately,the film’s rating of PG is a very fair assessment of the material inSpellbound.There’s nothing that should be too distressing for young children, although certain moments will undeniably tug at the audience’s heartstrings as intended. Thematically, there’s nothing that exceeds a typical PG-rated motion picture. The darker themes ofSpellboundare made lighter with catchy musicand bouncy songs, which present everything in a lighthearted way and keep things happy.

Spellbound

Cast

Spellbound, directed by Vicky Jenson, follows Princess Ellian on her adventurous quest to rescue her family and kingdom. As a mysterious spell transforms her parents into monsters, Ellian must navigate this perilous journey to restore the King and Queen of Lumbria.

Spellbound - Poster