When a young girl builds a rocket to the moon, you know you’re in for a visually stunning and emotionally charged journey. Over the Moon (2020) is an animated musical fantasy film, featuring the voices of Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, and Ken Jeong. Set in modern-day China, the story blends familial warmth with the wonders of Chinese mythology, giving viewers a magical adventure centered around love, loss, and belief. Directed by Glen Keane, this Netflix film is a colorful exploration of the dreams that carry us through life, set against a beautiful lunar backdrop.
At the heart of the story is Fei Fei, a bright and determined young girl who has been raised on stories of the moon goddess, Chang’e, a symbol of undying love. After losing her mother, Fei Fei clings to these stories, and when her father decides to remarry, she sets off on an impossible mission to prove that Chang’e is real. Building a rocket to the moon, Fei Fei embarks on an extraordinary journey filled with whimsical creatures, vivid landscapes, and unexpected allies. Along the way, she learns about acceptance, moving on, and the importance of family, all while unraveling the legend that shaped her childhood.
One of the film’s standout elements is its animation. As expected from Glen, a veteran Disney animator, the visual quality is nothing short of breathtaking. The design of the moon’s fantastical kingdom, Lunaria, bursts with neon colors, glowing landscapes, and imaginative characters like Gobi, a space-dwelling pangolin voiced by Ken, and Bungee, Fei Fei’s adorable pet rabbit. Each scene is carefully crafted, especially the moments that highlight Chang’e’s ethereal beauty and the vibrant energy of Lunaria. The animation feels both futuristic and deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, with sequences like the moon festival grounded in earthly realism and otherworldly wonder.
The voice acting is another highlight, with Cathy bringing depth and warmth to Fei Fei’s character. Her voice carries the emotional weight of a girl caught between childhood and the painful reality of loss. Phillipa, as Chang’e, delivers a performance that captures both the goddess’s regal nature and her vulnerability. Chang’e’s character is multi-dimensional, and Phillipa’s voice brings out her sorrow, pride, and eventual acceptance with grace. Ken’s portrayal of Gobi injects lightheartedness into the film, though at times the comic relief feels a bit forced, disrupting the emotional tone of some scenes. Still, the performances overall complement the film’s emotional journey.
Musically, Over the Moon is packed with heartfelt songs that blend traditional Chinese melodies with modern pop influences. The soundtrack, composed by Steven Price, includes numbers like “Rocket to the Moon” and “Ultraluminary,” which showcase Fei Fei’s determination and Chang’e’s celestial diva persona, respectively. While the songs are catchy, some feel a bit out of place, as if the film can’t quite decide whether it wants to be a musical or an animated adventure with songs peppered in. However, Phillipa’s performance of “Ultraluminary” is undeniably a showstopper, making Chang’e feel larger than life.
The direction by Glen is confident and heartfelt, but the pacing of the film occasionally falters. While the first half is strong in setting up Fei Fei’s motivation and the emotional stakes, the second half, particularly during her time in Lunaria, sometimes loses focus. The film’s message of dealing with grief is powerful, but the whimsical detours and the introduction of too many side characters can dilute its impact. The editing could have been tighter to ensure that Fei Fei’s emotional journey remained at the forefront.
Cinematically, the film is visually stunning, as the contrast between Fei Fei’s small-town life and the vibrant, surreal world of Lunaria is striking. The design of Lunaria itself is imaginative, with its futuristic cityscapes and glowing, pulsating lights reminiscent of a neon dream. Fei Fei’s journey to the moon is depicted in a way that feels both exciting and otherworldly, and the cinematography makes great use of light and color to reflect her emotions throughout the film.
Beyond the visuals, the film’s exploration of grief and the process of moving forward is what gives it emotional resonance. Fei Fei’s refusal to let go of her mother’s memory and her desire to hold onto the past is relatable, and it’s through her journey that she begins to understand that holding onto someone doesn’t mean halting your own life. Chang’e, too, serves as a mirror to Fei Fei, showing the consequences of being unable to let go, which deepens the thematic connection between the two characters.
In conclusion, Over the Moon is a heartwarming film with stunning visuals and an emotionally charged narrative. While its pacing and tone may stumble at times, its message about love, loss, and acceptance resonates deeply. The animation is a visual feast, and the voice performances, particularly by Cathy and Phillipa, are stellar. For fans of animated films that combine fantasy, mythology, and heart, this film is a must-watch. Though it may not quite reach the heights of Pixar’s most profound stories, it stands tall as a touching, visually dazzling tale about finding light even in the darkest of times.
