Arlo the Alligator Boy
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Arlo the Alligator Boy
Arlo the Alligator Boy is a 2021 animated musical adventure film that introduces Arlo, a half-human, half-alligator boy, who embarks on a journey from his sheltered life in the Louisiana swamp to New York City to find his biological father. Along the way, Arlo meets a diverse group of misfits who become his chosen family, all seeking a place where they belong and can be accepted for their unique identities. The movie explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and acceptance, presenting a colorful narrative with numerous musical numbers.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The film strongly features LGBTQ+ representation through 'queer-coded' characters and a central theme of finding a 'chosen family' among outcasts who celebrate their differences. The creator, Ryan Crego, has acknowledged consciously including the queer community in the story's themes of acceptance. Key characters embody elements of gender non-conformity and the narrative is widely interpreted as a 'queer fable.'
Furlecia, a pink furball voiced by Jonathan Van Ness, is described as effeminate, wears heels, and expresses interest in a gay hairstylist, embodying gender non-conformity. Furlecia is referred to with both 'he/him' and 'she/her' pronouns in different contexts. The movie features a drag queen character explicitly shown walking down the aisle at the Met Gala. The film's overarching message of self-acceptance and finding a 'found family' among misfits resonates deeply with themes prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community, a point affirmed by Mary Lambert, the queer actress voicing Bertie, who connects the story to 'chosen family.'
Anti-Christian Themes
A prominent Christian review outlet explicitly identifies the film as promoting an 'abhorrent homosexual, transgender agenda' and portrays a 'church' in a negative light. The narrative is also noted for its humanist worldview, lacking mention of a higher power.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 10+ with parental guidance. While officially rated TV-Y7 for fear, the film contains implicit LGBTQ+ themes, a fleeting reference to bestiality, implied character death, and a moment where the protagonist contemplates suicide. These elements suggest that older children may better understand and process the content, and parental discussion is recommended for younger viewers.
Good to Know
The film serves as a feature-length pilot for the subsequent series 'I Heart Arlo,' meaning some character arcs and plot points may feel less resolved as they lead into the series. While the movie promotes positive messages of self-acceptance and friendship, the presence of strong LGBTQ+ themes, implied death, and a character contemplating suicide may warrant careful consideration and discussion by Christian parents.
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