Miraculous Netflix Film Review

Miraculous Ladybug and Cat Noir The Movie

It’s not easy being a teenager. Just ask Marinette: the shy, anxious teen doesn’t want her dad escorting her to school. She is so clumsy and gets in the way that people see her as a freak.

But Marinette’s life is turned upside down when a mysterious glow finds her. The miraculous is named Tikki who then tells her she’s chosen to be the next Ladybug. Marinette thinks this must be a mistake because she isn’t a hero. She must muster up enough courage because something evil is afoot.

Positive Elements: Despite her clumsiness, Marinette has a great heart. She loves her parents and sacrifices her life for the citizens of Paris incessantly. Though her doubts of becoming a hero win at first, she overcomes them. After the first fight, Tikki helps her to calm down. Marinette saves Adrien’s life a couple of times.

For Adrien’s part, he’s a moody teen who is reeling after his mother’s passing. When becoming Cat Noir, he initially refuses help. But both Marinette and Adrien learn to work as a team and that they are “stronger together.” Both express their pent-up feelings of loneliness and sadness in the movie’s songs.

(Spoiler Warning): Adrien’s father Gabriel is the villain Hawkmoth. But while he causes chaos for most of the film, it’s not intended to make people miserable. He wants his deceased wife back and (wrongfully) thinks chaos is the way. However, after finding out Adrien is one of the heroes, Gabriel comes undone. He breaks down and admits his wrongdoing of being lost in his grief. Adrien hugs/reconciles with him.

Marinette saves an old man from danger. That same man declares “Whoever saves a life saves the world.” We notice a healthy representation of marriage a few times.

Spiritual Content: The Miraculous is from Eastern spirituality: Tikki is the Kwami of Creation, while Plagg is the Kwami of destruction. Both of Ladybug and CatNoir’s powers have mystical magic to them.

Hawkmoth uses his powers to possess several people, transforming them into scary creatures. Ladybug uses her powers to restore Paris. The spirit of Adrien’s mother is shown a couple of times.

Sensual Content: Marinette develops a crush on Adrien both in and out of costume. They dance on a few occasions and have several moments of romantic tension. Marinette and Adrien nearly kiss a couple of times, but do share an (implied) kiss at the film’s end. Female outfits accentuate their curves. Nino has an innocent crush on Alya.

Violence: There are some intense perilous scenes. Marinette repeatedly bumps into multiple people and hurts herself while getting used to her new powers. She and Adrien battle numerous baddies. One perilous scene shows a male mime and a female magician wrecking chaos at a fair. A balloon monster sends a Ferris Wheel rolling down the street. People scream in terror during this and other similar scenes. The final battle manifests Paris in ruins: roads are crumbled, flames destroy the buildings, and the sky is an ominous black.

Marinette is bullied by a girl who threatens to strangle her hair after braiding it. Adrien is smacked against hard surfaces. Both teens are tied together by Ladybug’s yo-yo. The monsters are a bit frightening at times.

Language: One use of “h—, along with a few misuses of God’s name. Cat Noir calls Ladybug “watermelon” as an insult. Some name-calling includes “idiot,” “selfish,” and “butt.”

Drugs/Alcohol: Minor characters imbibe champagne and alcoholic beverages during some scenes. The male mime blows a smoke ring on one occasion.

Other Negative Elements: Plagg passes gas several times. Gabriel avoids spending time with Adrien. Nino advises Adrien to “be someone else.” A rich girl is rude and self-absorbed to everyone around her. Marinette recalls wetting her bed when having an intense dream.

Conclusion: Fans of the Miraculous TV show will no doubt enjoy this film. Serving as a prequel to the show, the film holds true to the animation style. It captures the innocence of teen crushes without pushing the envelope. There are lessons of self-sacrifice, dealing with grief, and overcoming your fears. Even the musical numbers are soaring and placed at the appropriate times.

True to the show, there are a few content problems. Eastern spirituality is present with the magic infused powers on display. Some perilous scenes are shown, and might be disturbing to younger/sensitive viewers. Those minor issues could make this film a no-go for some families.

But this Miraculous film shines bright and, unlike many kids films these days, doesn’t have a secret agenda to preach. The story is simple, entertaining, and fresh. It doesn’t waver from the source material. The film handles the heavy themes of grief and teenage life gracefully.

Like Adrien’s dad Gabriel, we are consumed with grief over losing a loved one. Often, our grief (if left unchecked) can lead to self-destructive choices. For most of the film, Gabriel believes capturing the Miraculous will bring his wife back. But this belief only fuels bitterness in his heart.

The Bible has a powerful statement about bitterness in Proverbs 14:10; “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy.” In other words, bitterness is the opposite of joy. The more you crave bitterness, it destroys you spiritually. But if you have joy, it lifts you up.

There’s also a great Bible verse about fear which is Isaiah 41:10; “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Marinette learns to overcome her fear, and by doing so, becomes a better hero as a result.

This Miraculous film has a few concerns, but manages to balance those with the positive messages. If you are searching for a wholesome film, this one is just the ticket.