‘Spellbound’ Director Reacts to Backlash Over Divorce Message

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As a film enthusiast with a background in family therapy, I found Vicky Jenson’s latest masterpiece, “Spellbound“, to be a breath of fresh air amidst the glut of formulaic animated films. With my own experiences as a child of divorced parents, I can attest to the emotional honesty and sensitivity that Jenson brings to this story.

Renowned animation director Vicky Jenson, known for ‘Shrek’, delves into challenging topics of divorce and fractured families in ‘Spellbound’, an exciting CGI journey about a teenage princess, Ellian (Rachel Zegler). In this Netflix movie, the monstrous behavior of Ellian’s bickering parents, played by Javier Bardem and Nicole Kidman, is a metaphor for how the emotions of children can be overlooked when adult relationships disintegrate. Some conservative and right-wing critics have criticized the film for addressing divorce. A Rotten Tomatoes user even labeled ‘Spellbound’ as “a foolish attempt to make divorce seem normal to kids. Don’t make divorce seem normal. It’s not.” In response, director Vicky Jenson stands firm:

It’s so crazy, because you can kill a parent in an animated movie, but you can’t say that maybe they won’t end up together.

Essentially: Everyone seemed to appreciate the movie’s intentions, yet there was often an undercurrent of apprehension regarding its ending, according to Jenson. Spellbound, which is Skydance Animation’s second feature film (following 2022’s Luck), has been in development for quite some time. Jenson, who is one of the earliest employees at Skydance Animation, joined the team specifically for this project, dating back approximately seven years. The movie has now been released, premiering on Netflix on Nov 22, 2024. Despite any initial reservations or pushback, it has become a global hit and enjoyed great success.

‘Spellbound’ Was Always About a Child Dealing with Divorce

Regardless of opposition from rigidly traditional conservative groups, Jenson firmly believed that maintaining the chosen ending was crucial, as they were aiming for something more authentic than a movie like “The Parent Trap.” The director sought to portray the genuine impact of separation on families.

The tale has consistently been the same: Ellian remains baffled as to why her parents are monstrous beings. The narrative unfolds from her perspective, with her pondering, “Perhaps I can rectify this situation.” Many children often harbor such thoughts; they believe somehow they might be responsible or could find a solution. Families come in various forms. As long as love is present within the family, it remains a family, regardless of whether they reside together. Unfortunately, there was no desire to alter the ending; they simply lacked a way to promote it or attract audiences. It’s wonderful that Netflix had the courage to produce it, allowing more people to witness this story.

From a film buff’s perspective, it’s crucial to convey a thoughtful message to the younger generation. Despite a decline in divorce rates over the past two decades and marriage remaining steady, there are still countless kids growing up with divorced parents. Labeling divorce as “wrong” can paint their lives in a gloomy light – making them feel abnormal or that there’s something inherently flawed about their family structure. Instead, we should approach this topic with empathy and understanding, helping them to navigate these complexities and fostering resilience within themselves.

In the words of Tolstoy, “All content families tend to be similar; however, each troubled family experiences its troubles uniquely.” And let’s be honest, many families fall into the latter category. It is often more beneficial for parents to part ways rather than endure each other’s bitterness, anger, and sorrow, which can have a detrimental effect on their children. Movies like “Spellbound” that portray divorce in a sympathetic, engaging, and amusing manner are crucial, offering a more authentic reflection of reality compared to most animated films. It’s hard to understand the uproar over such a film; it won’t cause divorces, so what’s the issue? The idea that it might provide comfort to a child is something to be commended, not criticized. Shame on those who find fault with it.

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2024-11-25 07:31