Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is a charming and imaginative animated film that brings a fresh touch to the world of the mythical Krakens. The film successfully blends the concept of a teenage monster trying to fit in with a comic vision of these legendary sea creatures. The highly original premise revolves around Ruby, a blue-skinned squid-like creature, and her family's attempt to pass themselves off as humans (Canadians). The voices, led by Lana Condor as Ruby, deliver outstanding performances, bringing depth and charm to their characters.

Ruby Gillman, 16, is a sweet, awkward girl desperate to fit in at Oceanside High School. Her family poses as Canadians to hide their true Kraken nature. Unfortunately, she feels invisible most of the time. Jaboukie Young-White, a skateboarder, seems to admire her only for her mathematical skills, whereas she has a total crush on him. Nor can she mingle with the cool kids at the beach for the end-of-year party, as her overprotective mother has forbidden her to swim. 

However, when Ruby decides to disobey her mother's number-one rule, she discovers a surprising secret: she is the direct heir to the powerful Kraken warrior queens and is destined to take the throne from her grandmother, the warrior queen of the seven seas. For generations, the Kraken have sworn to protect the world's oceans from the vain, power-hungry mermaids who have battled against them for centuries. However, Ruby is faced with a major and urgent problem: the school's beautiful and popular new student, Chelsea, turns out to be a mermaid. Ruby must finally come to terms with her true nature and find the courage to protect those she loves most.

Director Kirk DeMicco, with co-director Faryn Pearl, ably executes the film's creative vision, infusing it with smart, funny ideas. The animation is visually appealing and features impressive visual effects, notably when Ruby transforms into a bioluminescent squid. The underwater sequences are beautifully rendered, capturing the opulence of the ocean world. The film introduces a rivalry between the krakens and the evil mermaids, offering thrilling fight scenes reminiscent of the Godzilla films, and are very effective. While this adds an exciting element to the story, it seems somewhat disconnected from Ruby's personal journey of self-acceptance and teenage angst. The film's strength lies in its exploration of the relatable aspects of Ruby's life, a nerdy, math-intensive girl trying to get by in high school and find the courage to ask her study buddy to the prom. The secondary characters, including Ruby's family and friends, are well-developed and add depth and humor to the story.

Director Kirk DeMicco is no stranger to animation, having directed Space Chimps (2008) and co-directed The Croods (2013) with Chris Sanders and with Brandon Jeffors Vivo (2021). His new film, his most about yet, manages to capture the attention of both young and adult audiences. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of the film is the reimagining of the Krakens as forces for good, with endearing characteristics and impressive visual designs. This new vision of kraken mythology challenges traditional representations of these creatures as monstrous and destructive. The film cleverly explores themes of identity, family and acceptance of one's uniqueness. While Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is an enjoyable film to watch, with its charming characters and vibrant animation, it suffers from a rushed third act. The climax feels rushed, lacking the necessary build-up of tension. What's more, the resolution and message of acceptance can seem too neat, given the fantastical elements introduced throughout the film.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken is therefore a funny and sympathetic animated film that offers a refreshing vision of the Kraken world. Although it could have delved deeper into its protagonist's personal struggles, the film succeeds in delivering an entertaining and visually stunning experience. With its appealing characters and spirited visuals, it has the potential to resonate with animation fans, especially younger audiences.

Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Directed by Kirk DeMicco
Written by Pam Brady, Brian C. Brown, Elliott DiGuiseppi
Produced by Kelly Cooney Cilella
Starring Lana Condor, Toni Collette, Annie Murphy, Sam Richardson, Liza Koshy, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, Jaboukie Young-White, Blue Chapman, Eduardo Franco, Ramona Young, Echo Kellum, Nicole Byer, Jane Fonda
Edited by Michelle Mendenhall
Music by Stephanie Economou
Production company : DreamWorks Animation
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release dates : June 15, 2023 (Annecy), June 28, 2023 (France), June 30, 2023 (United States)
Running time : 91 minutes

Seen on June 18, 2023 at Gaumont Disney Village, room 10 seat A17

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