Christian Family Movie Review: Disney’s Strange World (2022)

Disney’s Strange World, which released in November 2022, is an animated sci-fi adventure that has sparked conversations among audiences, critics, and families. The story follows the Clade family, a group of explorers in the fictional land of Avalonia, led by the larger-than-life Jaeger Clade (Dennis Quaid), who is so obsessed with discovering new lands beyond the mountains that surround Avalonia that he leaves the rest of the party, which includes his son Searcher Clade (voiced by Jake Gyllenhaal). Years later, Searcher, his wife Meridian (Gabrielle Union), and their teenage son Ethan (Jaboukie Young-White) set out on a mission to save Avalonia’s energy source, a plant called Pando, which is mysteriously dying. Their journey takes them into a fantastical subterranean world filled with bizarre creatures, where they reunite with Jaeger. Together, the family must overcome their differences to save their home, uncovering surprising truths about their world—and themselves—along the way.

How Successful is Strange World Among Audiences and Critics?

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Strange World struggled to find widespread success, grossing slightly over $73 million worldwide against a $135–180 million budget, making it a box office disappointment for Disney. The movie earned a mixed reception from critics, with a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many praised its imaginative visuals and diverse representation (for example, Searcher’s and Meridian’s mixed-race marriage and their son’s same-sex crush—but found the plot predictable and lacking the emotional depth of Disney’s best works like Encanto or Moana. Audiences were similarly unenthusiastic, reflected in a 73% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its underperformance has been attributed to limited marketing, competition during the holiday season, and a negative reaction to its progressive themes.

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What Are the Family Dynamics Portrayed in Strange World?

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The film explores complex family dynamics across three generations of the Clade family. Jaeger embodies the stereotypical “alpha male” explorer, prioritizing adventure over family, which leads to a long estrangement from his son. Searcher rejects his father’s legacy, choosing a quiet farming life, but unintentionally mirrors Jaeger by pressuring Ethan to follow his path. Ethan seeks independence and adventure, clashing with Searcher’s protective instincts, and Meridian acts as a mediator, supporting Ethan’s individuality while encouraging family unity.

The story strikes chords of reconciliation and acceptance. Jaeger and Searcher learn to value each other’s differences, healing old wounds, while Searcher adapts to Ethan’s desires rather than imposing his own. This focus on intergenerational understanding and embracing individuality offers a modern take on family, though it occasionally feels heavy-handed in its messaging.

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How Does Strange World Compare to the Teachings and Values of the Bible?

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Though Strange World’s messages of love, reconciliation, and forgiveness align generally with biblical values, numerous points in the story may be jarring to biblically-minded viewers. For example, just ten minutes in, the movie reveals Ethan’s crush on a male friend, and though the portrayal is subtle (mild flirtation, no physical intimacy beyond a side hug), it’s normalized throughout the story. Others might react to the film’s heavy-handed anti-fossil-fuel message, while others may find it to be consistent with humanity’s Genesis mandate to care for Creation. Some may also detect a tiny nod to pagan mythology in a turtle-like creature reminiscent of Hindu or Iroquois tales.

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Is Strange World Appropriate for Children?

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Strange World is rated PG for “action/peril and some thematic elements” and thus is considered generally suitable for children over 7, though parents should exercise discretion. Intense battle scenes with tentacled monsters might frighten younger or sensitive kids. Thematic elements include family conflict, grief, and Ethan’s crush, which could prompt questions about relationships from children unfamiliar with same-sex attraction. Brief alcohol references (Searcher and Jaeger drinking beer-like beverages) are minimal. Common Sense Media notes its depictions of diversity and positive role models, suggesting it’s appropriate for most kids, though the film’s environmental and social messages may appeal more to adults.

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Is Strange World Likely to Be Acceptable to Christian Families?

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Overall, Strange World is charming but forgettable. It’s not a must-see movie, and its social and political agenda make it easy to resist for many Christians. Christian outlets Movieguide and Plugged In advise caution and discernment, especially for families with younger children.

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Discover a More Appropriate Entertainment Platform

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Parents who have tired of Disney’s recent propensity for embedding questionable messages in their stories may find it helpful to discover an entertainment platform that tells charming and imaginative stories in ways that honor, reinforce, and instill biblical values. The TruPlay Games app–sometimes referred to as “the Netflix of Christian mobile games for children”–features games, videos, and digital comics videos starring animated characters at varying levels of spiritual growth and Christian commitment. The TruPlay app provides a safe, high-quality entertainment environment that offers countless hours of engaging fun for children, youth, and adults—a Christian resource for all ages, but especially for children,

TruPlay's website (TruPlayGames.com) clearly details the app's offerings, and free downloads and trials are available in both the Apple App Store and GooglePlay.