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★★★★★ Stars
Written and directed by: #MichaelRianda, #JeffRowe
Starring: #AbbiJackson, #DannyMcBride, #MayaRudolph, #OliviaColman
“A quirky, dysfunctional family's road trip is upended when they find themselves in the middle of the robot apocalypse and suddenly become humanity's unlikeliest last hope.”
As Christopher Miller and Phil Lord are on the list of producers for The Mitchells vs. The Machines, the same magical spark they ignited with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is what I most hoped for. They brought that particular spark and expanded upon it in this film so to say I was overwhelmed with happiness here might be an understatement. The Mitchells vs. The Machines emanates creativity that, in itself, is dripping with partnered vibrancy. With true heart and lovable characters, who wouldn’t want to go on an adventure with the wacky Mitchell family?
As the concept for the film is based on family relationships and how bonds either sever or survive, characterisation needs to be fully focused on, and thankfully that is what viewers are met with. Each character has a unique personality for audiences to immediately attach to. The depth of characterisation is spectacular and, with this, the perfect family dynamics follow seamlessly. The brilliantly thought out personalities of the characters adds to the already beaming colours of the animation, continuously creating an atmosphere that it nothing short of enthralling. These characters are distinctive in their own right which can easily be seen through the different bundles of beautiful representation – from a teenager who is openly part of the LGBTQ+ community, to her little brother showing neurodivergent characteristics that are happily supported — however, they all piece together in harmony through their sense of humour and the collective love they have as a family. Even this connection is seen to expand to other characters in the public eye of this cinematic world, bringing opposite individuals together in joy and excitement. Despite the film not exactly being presented as a tearjerking adventure, especially with the core of the film being lighthearted humour, the proportion of emotional impact can easily have your vision blurred (I’m totally not saying this because I cried… alright maybe I did cry just a little bit…)
Although the Mitchell family is described as ‘quirky’ and ‘dysfunctional,’ they are actually more like the majority of families around the world. Everything about the Mitchells is disorderly; the way they communicate, the way they can only attempt to take family photos, the way they unusually show their appreciation towards one another. But that is what normal families are like right? Seeing such an upbeat family with their fair share of difficulties is a nice change. It brings a sense of sincere life to the film.
That specific feeling of reality can be felt through the ongoing distress of the ‘robot apocalypse’ as smartphones decide to get revenge. Now, I know that might sound insane because there is absolutely no reality in that event, but the basis of our society being immersed in technology is hilariously overemphasised. Taking the jokes out of the equation for a moment, one of the most praiseworthy elements of this storyline is how parents are regularly affected by social media. Linda Mitchell (Maya Rudolph,) who is the mother figure in the Mitchell family, talks about how jealous she is of her neighbours. Their family is orderly and their relationship with each other is utterly pristine. She talks about their Instagram posts and becomes upset at the easy nature of how their life appears in comparison to hers — I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a film that targets the negative impact social media can have on both the younger generation as well as their parents. The Mitchells vs. The Machines is the definition of the phrase ‘a film for the whole family.’
The Mitchells vs. The Machines, now streaming on Netflix, houses a predictable yet electrifying story. Carrying thrilling action sequences, breathtaking visuals and humour that lands for viewers of all ages, this isn’t a film you want to miss. Sure, you can keep it in your watchlist for a few weeks, but trust me when I tell you that joining in with the current excitement surrounding it is a much better experience to be part of.
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