Strange World: A Retro-Futuristic Adventure with a Modern Twist
Avalonia, a landlocked nation, is entirely encircled by towering mountains. Twenty-five years ago, the seasoned adventurer Jaeger led an expedition that culminated in his son, Searcher, discovering the pando plant. This plant possessed the unique ability to generate energy for the entire city. Now, in the present day, the pando fruits are beginning to wither. Driven by a need to solve this crisis, Searcher embarks on a journey into the subterranean world, where he encounters his long-lost father.
A scene from the animated film “Strange World”
“Strange World” is the latest offering from Disney, drawing inspiration from retro-futuristic classics like “King Kong” and “The Land Before Time,” as well as the adventure-filled narratives of pulp magazines. Frank Munsey pioneered the pulp format in 1896, transforming a juvenile publication into a collection of adventure stories geared towards adults, printed on inexpensive paper. Initially encompassing various genres, by the early 1910s, thematically focused collections began to emerge.
A scene from the animated film “Strange World”
Family Dynamics and Environmental Harmony
The animation is co-directed by Don Hall and Qui Nguyen, who previously collaborated on “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Their signature style is evident in this new film, where parents, their son Ethan, and a three-legged dog find themselves in fantastical circumstances. The screenwriters construct the drama around the lack of understanding between family members, stemming from a reluctance to replicate the patterns of previous generations.
Searcher reveals little to his son Ethan about the exploits of his grandfather, Jaeger, fearing that the boy will become a carbon copy of the headstrong old man and abandon his family. Searcher prioritizes the safety of his loved ones, which is why he is reluctant to bring the teenager on the mission. However, Ethan, who secretly stows away on the explorers’ transport, turns out to be a crucial element of the plot. The creators emphasize the importance of believing in loved ones, as their sincere desires can sometimes go unheard.
Embracing Differences and Supporting Each Other
Ethan’s nonconformity is expressed in his views, feelings, and life plans. No matter how difficult it may be to accept differences, family members must primarily support each other — and Disney does not shy away from directly addressing relevant issues.
A scene from the animated film “Strange World”
Echoes of Interstellar and a Unique World
The farmer’s journey into another world to identify the causes of an impending catastrophe is reminiscent of “Interstellar.” Similar to Christopher Nolan’s film, “Strange World” lacks clear antagonists, and most conflicts are built on contrasting viewpoints. The adventure becomes a revelation due to the lack of knowledge about the expanses of the underground kingdom.
The animators meticulously illustrated the richness of the strange world: the territory is inhabited by colorful creatures and plants that pose a danger to the explorers. In such conditions, the main goal of the characters becomes finding harmony with the environment. As in Ethan’s favorite card game, the characters need to abandon the habit of killing monsters and try to find common ground with the creatures. The film’s main plot twist, in which the strange world turns out to be only part of a larger ecosystem, is also impressive.
A Box Office Disappointment, but a Film Worth Watching
Despite its potential, the film debuted quietly, becoming one of the most financially unsuccessful in recent years. “Strange World” was released on the eve of Thanksgiving, grossing a modest $27.8 million over the holiday weekend. The failure is attributed not only to ongoing disputes regarding the availability of the film on the online service, where it will arrive 45 days after the premiere, but also to a weak marketing campaign, most of which was conducted shortly before the release.
“Strange World” is one of the most underrated projects of the year, worth watching for its high-quality animation and a curious exploration of the relationship between humans and nature.lein