Netflix’s recent animated feature Spellbound has stirred controversy among parents for its portrayal of divorce. Some parents have complained that the film sends the message that it is “okay” for children to experience their parents going through a divorce.

While the film has received praise for its animation, it earned a low score of 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics condemning its mature themes.

Spellbound centers on a young princess, Ellian, voiced by Rachel Zegler, who embarks on a journey to save her kingdom. Her parents are turned into monsters, and she must find a way to restore them. Along the way, she faces troubling personal challenges while uncovering truths that extend beyond her kingdom. Alan Menken and Glenn Slater collaborated on the film’s music.

Some reviewers claimed that divorce should not be “normalized,” particularly in a children’s movie. They argued that the film’s animation and trailers were misleading, leading them to watch a story they felt made divorce appear commonplace and acceptable.

However, not everyone shared this perspective. Many praised the movie’s message for addressing real-life issues. Variety’s Peter Debruge rated the film positively, stating: “Trust that the eventual explanation is a smart one, with useful lessons to impart about how much kids can (or should even try to) control when faced with drastic family changes.”

Spellbound has drawn comparisons to Disney films, as its creators cited Disney as an inspiration. However, audiences have noted that it falls short of Disney’s animation standards. Still, some argue that telling these challenging stories to children is vital, as it helps them understand and process difficult aspects of life. Animated films like Spellbound can make these lessons more accessible.