Smallfoot
Smallfoot (2018) is an animated musical adventure-comedy that reimagines the Bigfoot legend from the perspective of a hidden society of Yetis. The story centers on Migo, a young Yeti whose world is turned upside down when he encounters a human, a creature his community has long believed to be mythical and non-existent according to their ancient, stone-carved laws. This discovery challenges everything Migo has been taught, leading him on a quest for truth and understanding beyond the confines of his isolated mountain home. The film explores themes of curiosity, questioning established beliefs, confronting fear of the unknown, and bridging divides between different groups. With its vibrant animation, catchy songs, and blend of humor and heartfelt moments, Smallfoot aims to entertain a broad family audience. However, its narrative carries a significant underlying message about the nature of truth and the implications of blindly following tradition, which can resonate with or challenge viewers in various ways.
Concerns
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighThe central theme of 'Smallfoot' revolves around Migo challenging the long-standing, stone-carved laws and the authority of the Stonekeeper, which are revealed to be protective lies. This narrative promotes questioning tradition and authority, with some reviews interpreting it as potentially encouraging children to challenge parents or religious teachers and portraying authority figures negatively.
The film's core message encourages characters to 'question things that don't make sense' and 'not blindly following old traditions or outdated knowledge'. 'Plugged In' warns that the film 'could also seem to rail against authority or even encourage kids to challenge their parents or religious teachers' due to its 'stone-carved laws that turn out to be lies'. 'Movieguide' criticizes the 'bad portrayal of parents' and notes 'dim-witted parents are proven wrong by their children'.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighMultiple Christian review sources identify the film's core narrative as having strong anti-faith or anti-Christian parallels. The story of Yetis blindly following ancient, stone-carved laws that are eventually debunked by new discoveries is widely interpreted as an allegory questioning religious dogma and advocating for 'science and reason' over 'religion and reason,' potentially undermining faith.
'Plugged In' states, 'It's not hard, for instance, to see the film's story as a kind of anti-faith screed. (I mean, do laws carved into stone slabs ring any bells?)'. 'Movieguide' notes, 'The movie has odd parallels that can be made against Christianity' and a 'Romantic worldview that stresses embracing your fears with open arms'. A Reddit user on r/atheistparents described it as 'the most anti-religious kids' movie I've seen' and appreciated its encouragement of 'skepticism is good and complicated truth is better than a comfortable lie'.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe movie 'Smallfoot' does not contain any explicit LGBTQ+ characters or storylines within its narrative. However, some Christian reviews and external interpretations draw thematic parallels between the film's message of questioning traditions and embracing new ideas and broader societal discussions around LGBTQ+ acceptance. Additionally, fan communities online have created fanfiction exploring same-sex relationships between characters, indicating potential interpretations by some viewers.
While no explicit LGBTQ+ characters are present in the film, a Christian review from StoryScanner mentions that 'a review from The Gospel Coalition draws a thematic parallel between the Yetis questioning their 'old ideas' about smallfoots and situations where ex-evangelicals 'experience new ideas' that might include 'becom[ing] close friends with a gay person.'. Online fan communities, such as Archive of Our Own (AO3), feature fanworks with 'Migo/Percy' and 'Meechee/Kolka/Brenda' relationship tags, indicating viewer-generated interpretations of same-sex pairings.
Violence
MediumThe film includes frequent animated slapstick violence, chases, and some intense encounters. Characters experience falls from heights, are hit by objects, and are pursued by others. There are also instances of tranquilizer dart use and brief depictions of past attacks, though generally without graphic gore.
Examples include 'frequent falls and jumps from great heights, during which there's a lot of screaming but no-one is hurt'. Migo is 'shot with a dart gun' by humans multiple times, and 'Percy nearly dies twice, once from being frozen and once from not getting enough oxygen'. A flashback shows yetis 'being attacked, stabbed with spears and shot'. There is also a 'destructive chase scene through a village' where property is damaged.
Profanity
MediumThe movie includes occasional mild insults and slang terms, alongside frequent scatological and rude humor. While no strong profanities like the F-word are present, common mild exclamations and insulting words are used.
Smallfoot contains 'occasional use of insulting words like 'dumb', 'crap', 'crazy', 'weird', 'pathetic', 'stupid', 'jerk' and 'sucks''. Parental reviews also note 'uses of “crap,” “suckers,” and poop jokes'. Additionally, exclamations such as 'oh my gosh', 'blimey', and 'holy wowness!' are used.
Substance Use
MediumThe film includes a few instances of alcohol consumption and the effects of a tranquilizer dart. These depictions are mild and not central to the plot, but are present.
Smallfoot shows 'some use of substances. For example, a stressed pilot drinks in a bar'. Percy, a human character, 'offers to buy someone a drink at a local watering hole called the Yak Shak'. Additionally, 'a character is shot with a tranquilizer dart, and staggers around with slurred speech'.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe movie features several scenes that could be frightening or intense for younger viewers. These include initial fearful encounters between Yetis and humans, suspenseful chases, near-death experiences, and moments where characters are shot with tranquilizer darts. While animated, these moments create tension.
Sources note 'several initial yeti-human encounters that result in terrified screaming from humans and what seems like wild and angry growling from yetis'. There is a stressful scene where 'armed men on snowmobiles chase Migo through a dark forest. He's eventually cornered and shot'. Percy also 'nearly dies twice, once from being frozen and once from not getting enough oxygen'.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe film contains very limited romantic content, primarily a mild crush between yeti characters. There is no explicit sexual content, nudity, or suggestive scenes. Some scatological humor is present but is not sexually suggestive.
Review sources confirm 'there are no sexual references in Smallfoot' and 'there is no nudity or sexual activity in Smallfoot'. The only romantic element noted is that 'a boy Yeti has a crush on a girl Yeti', specifically Migo having an interest in Meechee. The film does feature 'fairly frequent scatological humor, including poop and butt jokes, and the occasional slang term', but this is not sexual in nature.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere are no depictions of explicit witchcraft, sorcery, magic rituals, demons, or supernatural spells in the film. The Yeti society's belief system revolves around ancient 'stone-carved laws' interpreted by a 'Stonekeeper', which functions as their traditional lore rather than occult practice.
The review from Christian Spotlight on the Movies explicitly states 'Occult: None' in its content warnings. The yeti's belief system involves 'laws carved into small stones' and a 'Stonekeeper' who interprets these traditions. This is presented as cultural lore, not supernatural magic or occult practices.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
8+ with parental guidance. The film contains themes of questioning authority and long-held beliefs that may be complex for younger children. Moderate animated violence, mild language, and some intense scenes also suggest a slightly older audience.
Additional Notes
Parents may wish to discuss the film's philosophical themes regarding truth, tradition, and authority with their children, particularly the nuances of questioning beliefs while maintaining respect. The movie's allegorical nature allows for various interpretations, and open dialogue can help guide children through its complex messages.
Related Reviews
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