Directors: Kirk DeMicco and Faryn Pearl
Writers: Pam Brady, Brian C. Brown, and Elliott DiGuiseppi
Stars: Lana Condor, Toni Collette, Jane Fonda
Synopsis: A shy adolescent learns that she comes from a fabled royal family of legendary sea krakens and that her destiny lies in the depths of the waters, which is bigger than she could have ever imagined.
In the vein of Shrek, Despicable Me, and Wreck-It Ralph; Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken attempts to turn a traditional antagonist into a sympathetic protagonist. In this case, it’s the mighty krakens who protect the seas from the evil mermaids. This tale also adds in the twist of a coming of age story.
Just like every teen in a coming of age story, Ruby (Lana Condor), just wants to be normal. As she embraces her abnormality thanks to the new, super popular girl and secret mermaid, Chelsea (Annie Murphy), Ruby hits all the benchmarks of a coming of age story. She rebels, she blows off her ride or die friends, and learns about her changing body. It’s all very derivative of what’s come before like a coming of age Mad Lib to insert the unique mythological details. The reason the formula works, though, is because we’ve all been there, or are there, or will be there. This is a human monster story.
Within the tepid four quadrant appealing story, there are some highlights, like Annie Murphy’s vocal performance. She has that beautiful blend of snarkiness and shallowness to her that comes out so well in a popular girl character. She’s the mean girl you love and hate. A perfect pairing of actor and character.
Another terrific addition to the story is the music, both score and soundtrack. With a score written by Stephanie Economou, the film is given an atmospheric and heroic mood in equal measure. Her dreamy pop that sounds like it’s coming from underwater is the perfect coming of age sound. The soundtrack also features songs from bands with fantastic front women, including Yeah Yeah Yeahs, BLACKPINK, and fabulous teen punk group The Linda Lindas. The music enriches Ruby’s world rather than forcing a feeling onto it.
What is most appealing about Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken, if you want something that will distract from the bland story, is the design of the locations and characters. From the spineless, rubbery krakens to the diverse townsfolk, the character designs are wonderful. There is something really inspiring about the creation of a unique human environment even when the humans in it feel very familiar. The town looks like something out of a Miyazaki film with its turrets, shipping container archways, tiny, zipping cars, and pirate ship duck boats. The undersea world is also rendered in gorgeous, glowing neons. If you’re going to make an animated film like this, it’s good to really pour some pizzazz into the design.
It’s also refreshing that filmmakers are not into fully blaming parents any more. There has been a spate of recent coming of age films that have had parents that treat their teens with more respect than a lot of parents in previous examples of these types of films. There’s a lovely scene of Agatha (Toni Collette) coming upon the scared, gigantic Ruby. Rather than pushing Ruby away with blame, Agatha calms her down and talks with Ruby. There’s still conflict between the two of them, but the rift never seems insurmountable after that because of how much Agatha is trying.
It’s funny to write that a story about a teenage kraken doesn’t break a whole lot of new ground, but it’s true. Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a very by the numbers coming of age story. The unique plot elements of the story, the stunning visuals, and a few wonderful vocal performances aren’t enough to elevate it beyond just O.K. It’s a nice palate cleanser from the tidal wave of franchise fare drowning the megaplexes right now, but that’s the only thing it offers.
