Director: Domee Shi

Writers: Julia Cho and Domee Shi

Starring: Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh, Ava Morse, Hyein Park, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Orion Lee, Wai Ching Ho, Tristan Allerick Chen, James Hong

Rating: ★★★★

Pixar have done it again; created another family classic with Turning Red. Directed by Domee Shi, who also co-wrote the film with Julia Cho, the latest Pixar outing is all about growing up and the responsibilities parents put on their children and how teenagers break free to find themselves.

Mei (Rosalie Chiang) awakes one morning to find out that she’s turned into a red panda, which is something that’s passed down each generation in her family. Mei turns into a red panda whenever she’s at a high emotional state, but thinking of her friends keeps her calm enough to stay human.

Turning Red is a story about growing up, with Mei’s transformation coinciding with puberty starting and an interest in boys. Her parents have high expectations of her to help around the temple that they run as well as achieve high grades at school. Mei is more interested in going to see the boy band 4*Town, who have just announced a concert in Mei’s home town Toronto. Mei and her friends discover that she can use her power to raise money to buy tickets, but they just need to keep it a secret from Mei’s parents.

The story is relatable, regardless of your background and clicks straight away. Wanting to pursue your own interests and become your own person is something that everyone goes through as part of growing up. Rebelling from what your parents expect from you. It’s also told in a completely original and fun way, that only Pixar can achieve.

 As you’d expect the animation is absolutely brilliant, with the usual style that Pixar has perfected. It’s a joy to watch and completely absorbs you in. The red panda Mei looks amazing. There’s also a lot of laugh out loud moments that will work for audiences of all ages. It’s a typical fun time for everyone from Pixar.  

Turning Red is a story of self-discovery, coming of age, and friendship. It’s a completely relatable story to anyone who watches it and is destined to become another Pixar classic as well as a treat to watch on Disney Plus.

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