Turning Red

Meilin Lee is a thirteen year old who stands at the threshold between childhood and something bolder. In a bustling Toronto neighborhood, her days are filled with school, friends, crushes, and the all too present tension with her protective mother. When her emotions surge, a shimmering magical limit is crossed and she hulks into a bright red panda, a literal manifestation of the way she feels seen and heard. The family tradition behind the curse adds a comic layer of rules and rituals that Mei must learn to navigate without losing herself. As misunderstandings pile up, she discovers that growing up means balancing loyalty to family with choosing her own path. Her friends offer humor and support along the way.

Directed by Domee Shi with a screenplay by Julia Cho and Sarah Streicher, Turning Red is an original Pixar feature inspired by Shi's own adolescence. It premiered in 2022 with a streaming release on Disney+ alongside a limited theatrical run.

Turning Red received high profile recognition with a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 95th Academy Awards. Critics praised its sharp dialogue and honest portrayal of family dynamics, while the animation and voice performances were frequently highlighted as standout aspects. The film's cultural specificity and bold humor earned appeal.

Turning Red sparked conversations about immigrant family dynamics and adolescence in a modern urban setting. Mei's red panda crisis doubles as a puberty metaphor, while the film foregrounds Chinese Canadian culture, cuisine, and communal expectations. The film also opened up discussions about blended identities and motherhood.

Critics generally praised Turning Red for its energetic animation, humor, and heartfelt take on parent teen tensions. The film balances light comedy with a genuine exploration of independence, identity, and the pressure to fit in, while celebrating family bonds that shape who Mei becomes. It invites families to talk openly.