Family Movie Night! Should Your Kids Tune Into Pixar’s ‘Turning Red’?
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Great news for families who love animated films: Pixar’s newest creation, Turning Red, is now streaming on Disney+. This delightful movie tells the story of a 13-year-old girl named Mei Lee (voiced by the talented newcomer, Lily Tran), who transforms into a giant red panda whenever she experiences strong emotions—something that happens quite often. Directed and co-written by Domee Shi, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind the short Bao, Turning Red explores Mei’s journey as she navigates the challenges of adolescence while balancing her protective mother Ming’s (voiced by Rita Wu) expectations. Set in Toronto’s Chinatown in 2002, this coming-of-age tale is sure to resonate with both parents and their children as it candidly addresses the trials of puberty and early teenage life. But who is this film really for, and is it worth watching?
Where to Watch Turning Red
Turning Red is currently available for streaming on Disney+ at no additional cost for subscribers. (For those in international markets where Disney+ is not yet available, the film will be released in theaters at a later date.) This marks the third consecutive Pixar release to bypass theaters and head straight to streaming, with previous titles including Luca and Soul—although select theaters in major cities, like New York and Los Angeles, are screening the film.
What Age Group is Turning Red For?
Rated PG, Turning Red is recommended for children ages 6 and up. It’s worth noting that other popular animated films such as Encanto, Raya and the Last Dragon, Moana, and Zootopia also carry a PG rating. Parents should be aware that some themes and language may not be suitable for very young viewers.
Cast of Turning Red
Starring Lily Tran as Mei Lee, the film also features Rita Wu as her mother Ming, Orion Lee as her father Jin, and friends played by Ava Moore, Hyein Park, and Maya Chen as Miriam, Abby, and Priya, respectively. The film includes catchy music by Grammy-winning siblings Billie Eilish and Finneas, the latter of whom lends his voice to a member of Mei’s beloved boy band, 4*Town. Notably, this is Pixar’s first feature film directed solely by a woman.
What Are Critics Saying About Turning Red?
In a review for the New York Times, journalist Maya Phillips praised the film for its exploration of the complex emotional dynamics between a mother and her child on the brink of independence—much like Domee Shi’s previous work, Bao. Phillips noted, “This is where Turning Red gets sticky,” referring to its cultural elements and the challenges they bring. Tomris Laffly from Roger Ebert described it as “a bold, hormonally charged PG movie that fills a significant gap for awkward teenage girls beginning to explore their identities.” Rolling Stone’s Jessica Kiang highlighted how the film turns the concept of growing up into a delightful metaphor. Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney pointed out that the film’s humor and vibrant visuals will appeal to a wider audience beyond just young women. Variety’s Peter Debruge commended director Shi for encouraging girls everywhere to embrace their inner selves.
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Summary
Turning Red is a heartwarming and relatable animated film from Pixar that tackles the challenges of adolescence through the eyes of its protagonist, Mei Lee. With its engaging narrative and charming visuals, this PG-rated movie is suitable for families, particularly those with children aged 6 and older. Whether you’re a parent or a teenager, Turning Red offers a delightful exploration of growing up and the emotional journey that comes with it.