Over The Moon - Netflix Family Movie Review

Over The Moon - Image from Netflix

The latest family adventure to hit Netflix, Over the Moon, is a movie that dives deep into the complexities of family - grief, loss, challenges, and new beginnings. The journey is adventure that quite literally takes viewers out of this world with a soundtrack that families will enjoy together.  

Over The Moon - Family Movie Review

Over the Moon reminds me a lot in the beginning of the movie Wonder Park.  We meet a young girl who is clearly devoted to her mother and captivated by the stories she tells.  In the opening moments set to music, you see her mom's health deteriorate and, unlike in Wonder Park, she does pass away.  A young Fei Fei is heartbroken, but holds on to her mother's memory and traditons - like making mooncakes with her father.  Four years after her mother's passing, Fei Fei's dad begins dating and introduces his daughter to his girlfriend and her 8 year old son.  As one may expect, this is hard for Fei Fei, but becomes even harder when her family starts to question the story of Chang'e the ancient Moon Goddess (voiced by Phillipa Soo of Hamilton fame!). Fei Fei then dedicates herself to taking a journey over the moon to prove the existence of the Moon Goddess.  

Over The Moon - Image from Netflix

There are so many great lessons in adventure, grief, love, and loss.  While the story has lively fictional elements to entertain young viewers, the character of Fei Fei is very relatable and down-to-earth.  Grieving the loss of your mother, understanding your father's new relationship, and coping with the addition of a new step-sibling in your house lead the viewer on an emotional journey with Fei Fei where you can actually feel each one of her emotions.  The story is beautifully set to an awesome soundtrack that enhances the movie each step of the way.  In addition, the animation brings to life the beauty of the landscape as well as the moonscape each step of the way.  

Over The Moon - Image from Netflix

Between the music, space adventure, and animation, my five year old was mesmerized from start to finish and we both enjoyed the movie.  It's a great choice for a family movie night that has depth while also not being "too much" for young viewers to take in - a tough balance wonderfully achieved here.

Looking for more great Netflix content your young ones will love?  Check out Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.

About Over The Moon (from Netflix)

Fueled with determination and a passion for science, a bright young girl builds a rocket ship to the moon to prove the existence of a legendary Moon Goddess. Directed by Oscar®-Winning Filmmaker & Animator, Glen Keane, and produced by Gennie Rim and Peilin Chou. Starring Cathy Ang, Phillipa Soo, Robert G. Chiu, Ken Jeong, John Cho, Ruthie Ann Miles, Margaret Cho, Kimiko Glenn, Artt Butler and Sandra Oh.