Disney’s “Strange World” has, unfortunately, flown under the radar, and that’s a real shame. It’s a pulpy adventure that successfully uses the classic Disney theme of generational trauma to tell a compelling story about the Clade family. This film beautifully captures the dynamic between the three generations—grandfather, father, and son—each wrestling with their own vision for their family’s identity. As they confront their personal beliefs, viewers are treated to some of Disney’s most breathtaking animation, which deserved a much wider audience in theaters than it received.
The film draws inspiration from iconic adventure movies like “Indiana Jones” while seamlessly integrating environmental themes into its plot, set within a mesmerizing alien universe. This Strange World boasts stunning, surreal landscapes, vibrant characters—both human and fantastical—and intriguingly bizarre creatures. Despite its otherworldly oddities, the story’s heart remains deeply human. The Clade family’s journey forces them to confront and understand each other in ways that only perilous, uncharted territories can prompt.
It’s disappointing how Disney chose to underpromote such a gem, resulting in one of the largest box office failures ever seen. If you haven’t seen it yet and have access to Disney+, it’s streaming right now, and trust me, it’s an incredible watch that truly deserved more recognition.