Alternate realities are always fun sandboxes in which to play. You take something familiar, change just one slight detail, and now you have another entirely new setting. Maybe it’s the butterfly effect at work. You know how they tell you never to touch anything when time traveling? One slight change to the past forever alters reality as we know it. By the interjection of Marty McFly and his mother’s insatiable lust for him as “Calvin Klein”, he forever placed his own existence in jeopardy. One small detail can affect a great deal.

It might not feel like it in the moment. The choices we make today impact our tomorrow. Those impacts might not be seen for years down the line but they will come for us regardless. Watchmen is another terrific example of this concept at work. Readers are introduced to basically the same world, just with a few minor changes. It’s a world exactly like our own, only superheroes work for the government and a President has been re-elected for a third term. Just a few minor details like these can make all the difference in the long run. 

Disney has always set themselves out there in the fairly fantastical when it comes to their animation projects. Rarely do we see the house of mouse ever take on the concept of alternative realities. Now, however, with the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home, WandaVision, and the upcoming Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, we are beginning to see the iconic studio approach more stories like that. Their legendary animation studio begins that journey with Raya and the Last Dragon. This latest offering from the studio depicts an alternative Earth, known as Kumandra, where a young girl named Raya attempts to find the last dragon in all of existence in order to restore peace to the broken land.

Disney held their animation projects as staples to their catalog. It’s this slice of pop culture that has gifted us films like The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Fantasia, and others from Disney’s massive library. In the early 2000s, the studio began to experiment with three dimensional animation before making the final move to 3D with 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph. Raya continues in that proud tradition of Disney presenting a compelling narrative through stunning animation. The animation of Raya is the custom three dimensional art that we’ve grown accustomed to - however, it’s not the only art style viewers will be treated to. For the film’s flashback sequences, used to flesh out the film’s historical mythology, the animators chose to go for a two-dimensional style that showcases a stunning array of Japanese artistry. They are few and far between but they stand out among the already beautiful animation.

Speaking of mythology, the lore of Raya is nothing short of brilliant, with an ever unfolding history that brings emotional depth to its narrative as well as heartbreak and character motivation to its cast of characters. In some ways Raya feels like a Lara Croft archetype. Kelly Marie Tran gracefully brings the vulnerability and wit that helps the character stand out amongst Disney’s most iconic of Princesses. She might not be able to top “Let It Go” with the masses, but Raya easily earns her place as one of the best characters the studio has ever done. She has Tran to thank for every bit of that. The entire voice casting in general is fantastic. Boasting an all-star voice cast that brings viewers to laughter, adventure, and even to the verge of tears. 

There were several times I found myself on the point of tears. Screenwriter Adele Lim does a phenomenal job at crafting adventure that draws you in. While also educating you on the lore and bringing you to the point of tears; all within a two hour span. Raya is no stranger to adventure. Perhaps one of the film’s best weapons is the use of that Lara Croft archetype previously discussed. The fight sequences with Raya, and its swordplay, are astonishing. Simply magnificent. The only real complaints about Raya would be some of the film’s more predictable moments within the final act. Given that this is a Disney movie; there is a formula. Unfortunately, that formula makes movies such as this predictable. 

Overall, Raya and the Last Dragon has me praying this isn’t the last time we see this Disney Princess. This film is visually stunning with an absolutely stellar voice cast and marvelous lore. The pacing, writing, and mythology is amazing. There are even moments where you may find yourself on the verge of tears. Raya and the Last Dragon is beautiful in nearly every way imaginable.

RORSCHACH RATING:

Mental Health Moment: When we first meet Raya she is on the verge of her teenage years. The unity of Kumandra has been broken and there are now five kingdoms that all basically hate one another. In an attempt to restore the unity of the land, Raya’s father invites the kingdoms together in a last ditch effort for peace. Raya finds herself drawn to a fellow princess of another kingdom, proving that differences shouldn’t keep us from one another.

Where this relationship ends up going later in the movie is another story. Stay with me, in this moment, for just a second. Raya and Namaari prove that differences don’t matter when we’re alienated and bullied for what makes us who we are. There is a sense of depression, isolation and self-harm that can take effect and damage our mental health for the worst. When the kingdoms reject Raya’s father’s offer for peace, this look of sadness is indescribable. Yet, he finds hope in his daughter’s innocence to befriend Namaari.

We’re all different and that’s a beautiful thing. Isolation and bullying do no good for anyone’s mental health. Consider the golden rule. It might sound cliche but this is coming from someone who has gone through the ringer of bullying and being isolated for being different. What worked for me might not work for you. Consider our resources, please and know you’re beautiful because of your differences.

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message, or tweet at us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written (and produced) by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey and others, and edited by Cam Smith. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. Raya and the Last Dragon is property of Walt Disney Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights.

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