Strange World
Disney's "Strange World" is a 2022 animated science fiction adventure film that introduces the legendary Clade family. Tasked with saving their society's crucial energy source, the Pando plant, the family embarks on a perilous journey into a mysterious, vibrant subterranean world teeming with surreal lifeforms. The narrative weaves together themes of intergenerational conflict, environmental responsibility, and the importance of forging one's own path, all set against a backdrop of imaginative landscapes and fantastical creatures. The film is designed as a thrilling expedition, drawing inspiration from classic pulp adventure stories. Rated PG for action, peril, and some thematic elements, "Strange World" is generally recommended for children aged 8 and up, with parental guidance suggested for those between 5 and 8. A significant aspect of the film is its portrayal of Disney's first openly gay main character, Ethan Clade, whose romantic interest in another boy is depicted as a normal and accepted part of his life within the story. The movie's blend of action, family drama, and its progressive themes makes it a notable entry in Disney's animated catalog.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film features Ethan Clade, Searcher's 16-17-year-old son, as Disney's first openly gay main character. His crush on another boy, Diazo, is clearly established and normalized within the story, with his family members, including his father and grandfather, showing support. The film does not frame Ethan's sexual orientation as a conflict or 'coming out' narrative. This explicit representation is a central thematic element.
Ethan Clade openly expresses his romantic interest in Diazo, a male classmate, noting he has a 'crush' on him. His father, Searcher, observes Ethan talking to Diazo and enthusiastically, if somewhat awkwardly, tries to show support for his son's feelings. Later, Ethan tells his grandfather, Jaeger, about his crush, and Jaeger responds with advice on how to impress Diazo, without any judgment or negativity regarding Ethan's same-sex attraction.
Violence
MediumThe movie contains mild science-fiction violence, primarily involving encounters with dangerous and monstrous creatures in the 'Strange World.' Characters face threats, pursuits, and close calls, but the depiction generally lacks graphic gore or severe injury. One character dies off-screen early in the film, contributing to the peril.
The characters are frequently pursued and attacked by 'Reapers,' which are described as giant, tentacled, vicious-looking monsters. In one notable scene, Ethan is lured towards a nest of these Reapers and is almost killed before his grandfather, Jaeger, intervenes using a flamethrower. Additionally, the expedition's airship, the Venture, crash-lands after being attacked by red wyvern-like creatures, and later, Jaeger is actively attacked by a Reaper, which Callisto stabs.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film includes a depiction of a heterosexual married couple, Searcher and Meridian Clade, who share affectionate moments and kisses. However, the primary romantic focus is on Ethan Clade's openly gay crush on Diazo. While no explicit physical intimacy is shown beyond implied attraction and conversation about feelings, the same-sex romantic interest is clearly presented as a normal and accepted part of the narrative.
Ethan Clade discusses his romantic feelings for Diazo, a male classmate, with his family, particularly his father and grandfather, who are supportive of his crush. In contrast, Searcher and Meridian Clade, Ethan's parents, are shown as a married couple who share several instances of kissing and affectionate gestures, representing a typical wholesome marital relationship.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe movie features several action sequences and encounters with large, often predatory, creatures that can be intense or frightening for younger viewers. The 'Reapers' are particularly noted for their monstrous appearance and aggressive behavior, leading to moments of peril and suspense. The overall 'strange world' environment itself can be visually overwhelming.
The characters frequently encounter 'Reapers,' which are depicted as monstrous, tentacled creatures with vicious mouths that actively attack and pursue the protagonists, creating scenes of high tension and potential danger. A specific 'jump-scare' moment involves a massive army of Reapers suddenly appearing to attack the expedition's ship, leading to a direct confrontation where characters like Jaeger and Callisto are engaged in combat.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumA significant plot element revolves around intergenerational conflict and rebellion, particularly between the Clade men. Ethan expresses a desire for adventure beyond his father Searcher's expectations of farming. Similarly, Searcher harbors long-standing resentment towards his own father, Jaeger, for abandoning him, leading to strained relationships and moments of defiance or strong disagreement throughout their journey.
Ethan chafes at his father, Searcher's, expectations that he will follow in his footsteps as a farmer, and rebels by secretly stowing away on the expedition, actively defying his father's wishes to stay home. Searcher expresses his deep-seated issues with his father, Jaeger, for abandoning him years ago, overtly stating to Ethan that Jaeger was a 'really bad dad,' highlighting the generational discord.
Profanity
LowThe film contains very minimal and mild language. Reviewers note an almost complete absence of strong curse words. Specific instances include a partial, cut-off expletive and a single use of a very mild term. Some mild insults and name-calling also occur, but these are infrequent and not intense.
One instance involves a character starting to say 'step out of my a—' which is cut off before the full word 'ass' is uttered. Another example is the use of the word 'butt' by a character. Searcher also refers to his father as a 'really bad dad' during a moment of familial conflict.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere are no elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult rituals, demons, spells, or explicit supernatural phenomena depicted in 'Strange World.' The fantastical elements of the subterranean world, including its unique creatures and the Pando plant, are presented as biological and scientific wonders within the film's science fiction framework, rather than magical or occult in nature.
The 'Strange World' itself, with its bizarre flora and fauna, is eventually revealed to be the interior of a colossal living creature, providing a biological explanation for its mysteries rather than a magical one. The Pando plant, central to Avalonia's energy and the plot, is presented as a biological discovery by Searcher, serving as a resource and later revealed to be part of the living world's ecosystem, not a magical artifact.
Substance Use
LowThe film includes a single, brief instance of substance use. Searcher and Jaeger are shown drinking from bottles that resemble beer bottles. However, there is no explicit confirmation of alcoholic content, and neither character exhibits any signs of intoxication or misuse. The scene is fleeting and does not emphasize the act of drinking.
Searcher is seen carrying two bottles which appear to be beer bottles and shares one with Jaeger, who takes a drink. This occurs without any emphasis on the type of beverage or subsequent effects.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes, mockery, or criticism of religious beliefs. The narrative focuses on secular themes of family, environmental stewardship, and self-discovery within a science fiction context. While it does not present a creationist worldview (e.g., the world as a giant living creature explained biologically rather than divinely), this is typical of many mainstream animated films and not overtly anti-Christian.
The film strongly promotes an environmental message, emphasizing the importance of respecting and living in harmony with the natural environment, which can be seen as aligned with stewardship principles, but without any direct religious framing. The core premise of the 'Strange World' being a giant living organism, and the Pando plant an 'infection,' provides a purely biological explanation for the world's existence and processes, rather than attributing them to divine creation.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Recommended for ages 8 and up, with parental guidance suggested for children aged 5-8. Not suitable for children under 5. This recommendation considers intense action sequences, potentially frightening creature designs, and the inclusion of an openly gay main character and themes of generational conflict that may require discussion.
Additional Notes
The film received mixed critical reception but was noted for its visual appeal and its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ representation. Its box office performance was poor, partly attributed to a conservative backlash over its inclusive themes. The movie explores complex family dynamics and environmentalism, offering discussion points for parents regarding respecting different life paths and caring for the planet.
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