Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a 2023 animated comedy film from DreamWorks Animation, centering on Ruby Gillman, a shy sixteen-year-old who desperately wants to fit in at her high school. Her overprotective mother, Agatha, forbids her from entering the ocean, a rule Ruby inadvertently breaks, leading to the discovery that she is a descendant of legendary kraken protectors. She is destined to inherit the throne from her powerful grandmother and protect the seas from evil mermaids. The film explores themes of self-discovery, embracing one's true identity, and navigating complex family dynamics, all within a vibrant underwater and seaside setting. It is generally aimed at a younger demographic, offering a story about a coming-of-age journey with a mix of action, comedy, and emotional elements.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film includes casual LGBTQ representation with a named character, Margot, expressing romantic interest in another girl and attending prom with her. This is presented subtly and without explicit detail, fitting into the background of typical high school social dynamics. Additionally, GLAAD noted the film for casually including queer teenagers in its cast, contributing to overall LGBTQ-inclusive features from Universal's slate.
1. Ruby's best friend, Margot, states her intention to ask a girl named Kayla to prom. 2. During the prom celebration, Margot is seen with a rainbow-flag bowtie and there is a hint of same-sex couples among the attendees.
Violence
MediumThe movie features animated action sequences, including battles between krakens and mermaids, as well as perilous situations for human characters. While no graphic gore is depicted, the intensity of these confrontations, including the use of magical weapons, could be frightening for very young viewers. The film's final battle involves significant destruction and combat.
1. There are moments of hand-to-hand combat between large sea creatures (krakens and mermaids) that involve bashing around smaller humans on a yacht and on land. 2. The mermaid queen, Nerissa, wields a powerful trident and engages in a destructive duel with Ruby, Agatha, and Grandmamah, culminating in the trident's destruction and Nerissa's defeat.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe movie involves fantastical elements and mythological creatures like krakens and mermaids with inherent magical abilities, such as kraken transformations and laser eye powers, and a magical trident. However, these are presented as inherent abilities within a fantasy world rather than explicit witchcraft or occult practices, and there are no depictions of dark rituals or demon summoning.
1. Krakens, including Ruby, Agatha, and Grandmamah, can transform into giant forms with powerful abilities like laser eyes when in the ocean. 2. The villainous mermaid queen, Nerissa (disguised as Chelsea), seeks and wields the Trident of Oceanus, a powerful magical artifact.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains several intense and potentially frightening scenes, especially during Ruby's kraken transformations and the climactic battles. The villainous mermaid, Nerissa, can appear intimidating in her true form, and there are moments of peril for the characters. Younger children, particularly those under 6, might find these elements unsettling.
1. Ruby transforms into a giant kraken, which can be initially frightening as she struggles to control her size and accidentally destroys a small library. 2. The mermaid queen Nerissa, in her true, large, scary-looking form with big eyes, engages in a destructive battle against Ruby and her family, wielding a sharp trident.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe theme of teenage rebellion is present as Ruby chafes under her mother Agatha's overprotective rules, particularly the prohibition against going into the ocean. This leads to Ruby intentionally defying her parents, which drives key plot points. While ultimately leading to understanding, the initial acts of defiance are central to Ruby's journey.
1. Ruby's mother, Agatha, strictly forbids her from going into the ocean, but Ruby defies this rule by jumping in to save her crush, Connor, triggering her kraken transformation. 2. Ruby neglects her friends and disobeys her parents by secretly training with her Grandmamah to master her kraken powers in the ocean, a secret her parents eventually discover, leading to conflict.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe romantic content is light and age-appropriate for teenagers, focusing on a typical high school crush and the awkwardness of young relationships. There are no explicit sexual scenes or graphic nudity. The primary romantic storyline involves the protagonist, Ruby, and her developing feelings for a boy at school.
1. Ruby Gillman has a crush on Connor, a skater boy she tutors in math, leading to 'promposal' attempts and eventually them becoming a couple. 2. During an attempt to ask Connor to prom, Ruby accidentally uses a 'romantic bubble shooter' that sends him flying into the ocean.
Profanity
LowThe film contains minimal to no strong profanity. Reviews and plot summaries do not indicate the presence of frequent or offensive curse words. The language remains generally clean, suitable for its target audience.
1. Search results for profanity and strong language did not yield specific examples of curse words or offensive language used by characters within the film. 2. General parental guidance reviews typically classify the language as very mild or absent, with no mentions of significant profanity.
Substance Use
LowThere is no discernible content related to substance use, such as alcohol, drugs, or smoking, depicted or implied in the movie. The narrative focuses on Ruby's coming-of-age story and her adventures as a kraken.
1. No instances of characters consuming alcohol, using illicit drugs, or smoking were found in detailed plot summaries or parental reviews. 2. The film's themes and target audience align with avoiding such content.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes. While one review mentions "minor gay agendas" and hints at a "major feminist agenda" that might concern some Christian parents, these are interpretations of underlying messages rather than direct criticisms or mockery of Christian beliefs, symbols, or practices. The movie's focus is on self-acceptance and family, not religious commentary.
1. The film primarily focuses on mythological creatures (krakens and mermaids) and themes of identity and family, without engaging with Christian theology or symbols. 2. Any perceived anti-Christian sentiment by some reviewers is derived from thematic interpretations (e.g., perceived feminist or LGBTQ messages) rather than explicit content mocking or demeaning Christian faith.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental Guidance (PG) for children aged 7 and up. The film contains mild fantasy themes, animated violence, and some scary/intense scenes, particularly during kraken transformations and battles with the mermaid villain. There are also subtle instances of disrespect and rebellion typical of teenage narratives, and brief, implied LGBTQ representation.
Additional Notes
The film's runtime is 91 minutes, and there is no information indicating significant differences across theatrical, extended, or director's cuts. There are no known sequels or adaptations that would introduce new or intensified content. The primary message centers on self-acceptance and the importance of family, despite initial conflicts and secrets. Some parents may find the messaging around defying parental rules problematic, even if it eventually leads to understanding.
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