Film Review: Netflix’s Over The Moon Soars With Beauty
From look to storyline, there is no beating that Netflix’s Over The Moon feels plucked from Disney’s 90s “Hey Day!” but with more modern animation. Directed by John Kahrs, whom also did Frozen, and Glen Keane, the man that brought us films like The Little Mermaid and Beauty And The Beast, the film colors with positivity and sing-along songs. Yet, most importantly, on October 23, it sends out a message that may have been Disney’s but is now, definitely, Netflix’s, as well: dream big!
Netflix, in these past few years, has really leveled up its original films to match its original series. They are shelling out Oscar-worthy movies, and Over The Moon should DEFINITELY be nominated for Best Animated Feature. It brings “Up” level of tears from viewers within 10 minutes of the film, and matches Pixar’s ability to turn sadness into the beginning of a journey that redefines happiness and strength. This message feels more palpable because we are living in a time where more children are learning about themes such as isolation, grief, and death.
OVER THE MOON | Official Trailer #2 | Netflix
In this COVID world, even children cannot avoid what is tragedy, but Over The Moon is about what does it mean to dream again. It centers around the smart and sweet Fei Fei (Cathy Ang) who suffers a tragedy that would confound even the brightest child: the loss of her mother (Ruthie Ann Miles). Fearing her her father Ba Ba (John Cho) is forgetting his love for her deceased mom, by moving on with Mrs. Zhong (Sandra Cho), she hatches a plan to meet the moon goddess that her mother spoke so dearly about and inspired the very treat her family bakes as a business: mooncakes. Her idea is that if she proves the moon goddess is real then she can prove her mother still, as well, and that her spirit is forever linked and loved by them. Thus, she builds a rocketship and lands on the mystical world of Lunaria.
Lunaria is absolutely stunning. I could watch this film a million times just to relive the glory of its beauty. Embracing Chinese cultural myths and traditions, the film feels gorgeously immersive in the fantasy of a culture, which is something not usually embraced. For all that we believe in fables, I don’t think we truly absorb the wonder of tall tales and beliefs, marked hundreds and thousands of years ago, for what they say about human imagination and story-telling. To think that someone long ago dreamt of such a goddess, and Netflix has managed to revamp and reframe that myth for children is fascinating, especially because Over The Moon feels so warm and welcoming for a cartoon about bereavement.
“Ultraluminary” Music & Lyric Video ft. Phillipa Soo | OVER THE MOON | Netflix Futures
The level of cuteness at Lunaria is absolutely disgusting in how much I live for it. Adorable, little fluorescent mooncakes that do yoga and creatures like giant chickens frogs, and dragons make you pour your heart into the film, especially Fei Fei’s sidekicks Bungee and Ken Jeong’s Gobi. Also, Robert G. Chiu’s is too awesome as her ping-pong master, loving step-brother: Chin: You watch, laugh, hope, and mourn with Fei Fei as she overcomes so many battles to find The Gift for Chang’e, whom could easily become a pop diva and dominate the club scene. Whenever she sings, you feel like a pile of glow-sticks and vodka red-bulls have been thrown at you so you can keep dancing all night. Her music numbers help to keep some level of charm to coat how bitter and mean she can be, but, then again, losing someone you love can make even a goddess feel unhappiness.
Ultimately, Over The Moon is amazing. The music is fantastic, the visuals are hypnotizing, the characters endearing, and the message really beautiful and needed. If you have lost a loved one then you know part of the difficulty of moving and re-enjoying life is that feeling that you are leaving them behind. Where are they? Are they happy? Do they remember you? These questions that can block a child, let alone an adult, from receiving the magic of both earth and Lunaria. Thus, as you watch Fei Fei’s adventure, you learn that, perhaps, the best way to honor a life and heal from its end is to continue living, loving, and dreaming in its name. After all, a life can’t end, if you continue living for it. Netflix’s Over The Moon comes Out October 23.
