Dreamworks films have a clever sensation of subversion for their non-sequel animated films. So it might disappoint that Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken feels like it’s treading in familiar waters. It’s also sure to draw overt comparisons to Turning Red for carrying a womanhood allegory.
Despite not being as breathtaking as the studio’s pedigree, there’s some sweetness present. While it may be riding a way of aging up the themes for kid-themed animation, Dreamworks does a decent job entering this arena, even if they tread quickly and lightly.
A Complicated Teen
Ruby (Lana Candor) is established as a teenager with way too much going on. She comes from a family of sea monsters that have tried to conceal their non-human traits. Part of her concealment involves staying away from the sea, which is difficult for residing in a seaside town.
Tons of pressure befall the anxious and quirky Ruby with the upcoming prom. She fancies attending with her latest crush, and he seems up for it. Adding to her nervousness about asking a boy is the issue of her mother, Agatha (Toni Collette), forbidding her from attending prom on a boat.
A Monster Problem
Ruby soon learns why she’s not allowed in the water. When she ventures under the sea, she discovers that she is a Kraken. Not keen on being the stereotype of a creature that consumes ships, she tries to conceal this part of herself even more. That’s not an easy task when she transforms into an enormous beast with tentacles.
Ruby learns the truth only through her estranged grandmother (Jane Fonda). She discovers that Krakens have extraordinary powers and reside underwater as royalty. With a bit of help from Grandma, Ruby might be able to control and master her monster abilities.
New Friends
Seeking more of a relatable friend with similar issues, into Ruby’s life comes Chelsea (Annie Murphy), the new girl in school who gains instant popularity. Chelsea seems way out of Ruby’s social class until it’s revealed that she’s a Mermaid and also hangs out in the water.
It’s a questionable relationship considering that Ruby has been told Mermaids are mortal enemies of the Krakens. Not cool with this long-standing vendetta, Ruby figures seeking out a protected magic trident could bring peace. Or it might bring war.
A Wave of Themes
The many mounting problems of Ruby not only make her life complicated but crowd the many allegories of this tale. The Krakens are established as only growing large if their female, making the womanhood message clear. Swirling around that, however, are themes of immigration, social pressures, panic attacks, family shame, trust, and cultural stigmas.
Most of these topics work well, but some need help in the storm of fast-paced animation and low-key twists. There’s a deception in the story of Krakens vs. Mermaids where Ruby is not told the whole story, which bodes well for the theme of trust. It doesn’t, however, work as well for teaching kids not to judge a book by its cover. Grandma tells Ruby that Mermaids are bad news, and she’s 100% right in this scenario.
Quirky Style
Where the film does live up to Dreamworks’s standards is the uniqueness of the animation. Ruby’s world – under the sea and on land – has a colorful look and distinctly rounded shapes to the characters. It was neat watching Ruby’s limbs stretch and distort to showcase her monster ability, as well as watching her cavorting friends that range from the pint-sized, high-energy social expert to the tall, bulky gamer who sometimes contributes when he looks up from his Switch.
This is a film with animation reminiscent of doodles in a sketchbook, complete with exaggerated expressions and that familiar look of bean-shaped mouths present in modern animation. This style bodes well for this film, which wants to present a teenager’s world while still dabbling in fantasy. What it lacks in texture, it makes up for with iconic looks and snappy movements.
Young Story, Old Tropes
While this movie does have its charms, it also has some tired aspects that one might expect from this type of movie. Most voices outside Condor stay within their lane of what’s expected. Toni Collette melts into her role of a mom that makes her disappear, and Jane Fonda is just doing Jane Fonda, making her voice instantly recognizable.
Colman Domingo and Blue Chapman are in completely useless roles as Ruby’s father and younger brother. Sam Richardson and Will Forte voice the comedic backup, but no more than they do in other animated films. While Jaboukie Young-White gives an acceptable performance as Ruby’s crush of a casual skater, he’s almost too easy-going as the blank slate of a boyfriend.
Conclusion: Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Ruby Gillman doesn’t make a huge splash, but it does tread well enough to be an enduring animated film for those still in the kiddie pool. Though cluttered, its messages are wholesome enough to appease the parents, and the notebook-doodle style of the animation will delight the kids. It’s not a must-watch animated movie, but it serves as a decent follow-up to Turning Red for those seeking more animations where older girls become the heroes and still make it to the big social event.
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken was released in theaters on June 30, 2023!
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