Incredibles 2
Incredibles 2 is an animated superhero adventure that continues the story of the Parr family, a family of superheroes forced to conceal their powers. The narrative picks up immediately after the first film, with the world still grappling with the legality of 'supers'. The plot primarily follows Elastigirl as she is recruited to help bring superheroes back into the public eye, leaving Mr. Incredible at home to manage the children, including baby Jack-Jack who is rapidly developing a multitude of unpredictable powers. The film explores themes of family dynamics, gender roles, and societal perception of exceptionalism. It is aimed at a broad family audience, offering a mix of action, comedy, and heartwarming moments, though some content may be intense for very young viewers.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumIncredibles 2 contains several instances of queer coding and undertones, particularly involving the characters Evelyn Deavor and Voyd. While not explicitly stated as LGBTQ+ in canon, these characters and their interactions are widely interpreted as such within fan communities and by LGBTQ+ media critics. The film also features minor characters who subvert traditional gender norms.
The character Voyd, a new superhero, expresses intense admiration for Elastigirl (Helen Parr), stating, 'I felt like an outcast before, but now with you being you, I feel like… 'Yay me!'' which has been interpreted as a 'coming out speech' and shorthand for queer identity. There is fan speculation, supported by the character's voice actress, that Voyd is a trans woman. The villain, Evelyn Deavor, exhibits significant 'queer undertones' and 'immediate chemistry' with Elastigirl, including shared winks, smirks, late-night drinks alone, and physical gestures such as Evelyn holding Helen's wrist and pulling her face by the chin. Evelyn is also described as 'queer-coded' with a 'pixie cut, butch-dressed' appearance.
Violence
MediumThe film features frequent and intense animated action violence and peril, which can be frightening for younger audiences, despite some comedic intent. This includes large-scale destruction and direct confrontations between superheroes and villains.
Opening scenes depict 'intense violence and destruction' caused by the Underminer's giant drilling machine, leading to crashing cars and exploding buildings. Elastigirl engages in a particularly 'intense scene' with the Screenslaver, which parents reported as scary for their young children. Baby Jack-Jack's uncontrolled powers can result in him exploding in flames, turning into a 'demon-like toddler,' or transforming into a giant, which can be disturbing visuals.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains numerous scary and intense sequences, primarily due to prolonged action, the nature of certain villains, and the unpredictable, sometimes frightening, manifestations of baby Jack-Jack's powers.
The Screenslaver villain creates a tense and frightening atmosphere with scary music, fog, and darkness, which was noted to scare young children, with one 5-year-old jumping into a parent's lap. Jack-Jack's uncontrolled powers include transforming into a 'demon-like toddler,' bursting into flames, or becoming a giant, which can be disturbing for younger viewers. An intense scene features Elastigirl becoming entangled in machinery, nearly being ripped apart before being rescued.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe film centers on themes of civil disobedience and the questioning of authority, as superheroes operate illegally to challenge an unjust law. Characters also display typical family dynamics of adolescent defiance and parental frustration.
A central message is that 'Sometimes you have to do the wrong thing to do the right thing,' as the Incredibles break laws to advocate for legalizing superheroes, who are at one point labeled 'illegals'. Violet and Dash exhibit common adolescent frustrations and minor acts of rebellion, such as Violet's angst over dating and Dash's resistance to homework, leading to arguments within the family.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomance and sexual content are mild, primarily consisting of affectionate gestures between married characters and some suggestive attire, without explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity.
Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl, as husband and wife, share a 'short passionate kiss'. Additionally, a female superhero distracts a male superhero with a kiss on the lips. Elastigirl is shown wearing a 'skin-tight' superhero suit throughout the film.
Profanity
LowThe movie contains brief instances of mild language, which are infrequent but present. These are generally considered by parents to be unnecessary for a children's film.
The MPAA rating includes 'brief mild language'. Specific examples of mild profanity include one instance of 'I'll be damned,' one 'hell' obscenity, two instances of 'Oh my G-d,' and 'crap'. Catholic News Service also notes 'mild profane and crass language'.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, or demons in the film. The 'superpowers' are presented as inherent abilities rather than supernatural or occult phenomena.
While baby Jack-Jack exhibits various powers, including temporarily taking on a 'demon-like' appearance, this is depicted as a manifestation of his abilities rather than involvement with occult forces. There are no spells, rituals, or supernatural beings beyond the characters' intrinsic powers.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is minimal and restricted to light, social consumption of alcohol by adult characters, without any depiction of misuse or illicit drugs.
Movieguide notes 'light alcohol use' in the film. Specifically, Evelyn Deavor and Helen Parr (Elastigirl) are shown 'enjoying late night drinks alone' during their collaboration. This is portrayed as casual social drinking.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowNo explicit anti-Christian themes or content were identified in the film. Reviewers, including Christian-focused outlets, generally highlight positive moral messages.
The film does not contain any scenes or dialogue that mock Christian beliefs, depict sacrilegious acts, or explicitly criticize Christianity. Movieguide, a Christian review site, praises the film for its 'strong moral worldview about doing the right thing'.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is suggested for children under 8, and the film is generally suitable for ages 8 and up. The MPAA rates it PG for 'action sequences and brief mild language'. However, sources like the Australian Council on Children and the Media and parent reviews suggest that frequent intense action, peril, and disturbing character transformations can be frightening for younger children.
Additional Notes
Parents should be aware that while the film is animated, the intensity of action sequences and peril is significantly higher than many other animated features, potentially overwhelming very young children. Discussions around themes of societal control, media manipulation by the Screenslaver, and the legality of superpowers could be opportunities for family discussion. The 'queer coding' of certain characters may be a point of discussion for families depending on their values and openness to such interpretations.
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