Spirit Untamed:
Directed by Elaine Bogan and starring Mckenna Grace, Walton Goggins, Julianne Moore, and Jake Gyllenhaal in voice roles, Spirit Untamed is a 2021 computer-generated animated film. It is part of the ‘Spirit’ franchise and is produced by Dreamworks Animation and Universal Studios.
The film follows a young girl named Fortuna “Lucky” Prescott who moves to the small rural community of Miradero. Here, Lucky has a chance encounter with a wild mustang that she lovingly comes to calls “Spirit.” Lucky and Spirit immediately take a liking to each other. However, complications arise when an evil horse wrangler plans to capture this horse and its herd. Lucky and her new friends band together to do everything they can to save the horses from a lifetime of slavery.
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With vibrant colors and seamless animation, Spirit Untamed continues the longing-lasting tradition of the Spirit franchise in showcasing an unbreakable bond between humans and horses, no matter what obstacles may come their way.
Director Elaine Bogan keeps the action fast-paced and does not shy away from heavy thematic elements. The long, overarching shots of nature are stunning to look at, and the movement of the horses has been carefully calibrated as close to reality as is possible. In addition, the music is grand as well, with a sense of adventure and love melded into the melody by Amie Doherty.
Spirit Untamed: The star-studded voice cast is insane!
Although Isabela Merced voices the Fortuna ‘Lucky’ Prescott, Hollywood heavy-hitters all voice the supporting characters, from McKenna Grace as Abigail to Jake Gyllenhaal as James Prescott and Julianne Moore to Walter Goggins, the voice actors are the best of the best. Eiza Gonzalez is also in the film, voicing Lucky’s late mother, Milagro.
All of these veteran actors bring out the best traits in their characters, contributing to the essence of their characters in different ways. The considerable voice talent also elevates the film as a whole, with depth and emotion portrayed by voice actors helping bring the message behind the film to the masses.
How does this film expand The Spirit universe?
Spirit Untamed is part of the Spirit franchise that first started with the traditionally animated classic Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron all the way back in 2002. Netflix soon jumped on the franchise, and an animated series centered in the universe followed in 2017.
The series, titled ‘Spirit Riding Free,’ has now had 8 seasons and is followed by Spirit Untamed (2021). With several more series, spinoffs, and holiday specials planned for the near future, the Spirit franchise is sure to continue unabated.
Beautifully animated and resonant about animal cruelty, Spirit Untamed (2021) is a potent continuation of the venerable franchise. Perfect for both kids and adults alike, Spirit Untamed (2021) is emotionally vibrant and thematically powerful, as it takes its place amongst one of the better films of 2021.