Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie is the perfect starting off point for newcomers, and a film that longtime fans will absolutely love.
There are Miraculous fans all over the world, as the series has been around for years. Now there is a new movie, Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie, that has been having these fans hyped since it was announced. The thing about this movie is that while it does fit into the Miraculous world, it is also a bit of a retelling of the story of Ladybug and Cat Noir.
Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Miraculous would not exist without the labor of the writers and actors in both unions.
Miraculous follows Marinette, whose life in Paris is flipped upside down when she suddenly becomes the superhero Ladybug. Her friend and crush, Adrien, ends up becoming Cat Noir the very same night. Their fates are intertwined, and the film follows their journey as they must learn to trust each other and protect Paris from an evil supervillain.
The best thing about Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie is that it is more canon adjacent than canon. The characters are the same, and the story is similar, but it is told in a much different way than it is in the series. Longtime fans will be thrilled to see their favorites come to the big screen, while also feeling like they are getting a new variation of them.
For those who know nothing about Miraculous, don’t worry. You don’t need to. This film is a great jumping off point and is sure to get you hooked on the lore.
Because some plot points are switched up, those who know Miraculous inside and out are able to be surprised, and kept in suspense throughout the movie. The film also features a lot of songs that are actually really good and entertaining. Children who already love the show will be singing them on repeat. You could almost call Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie a musical, because of how many songs are sprinkled throughout it. This is something the series does not have, not really, so it feels like a fresh new take on Miraculous.
At the same time Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie offers a lot of action. There are some great fight sequences that perfectly combine humor and action, much like the show does. Lots of iconic lines from the series are dropped throughout the movie, but particularly during the battles.
Probably the biggest issue with Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie is that it drags on a bit too long, while also feeling rushed. A feat that is hard to accomplish. Because this is a show first, it was given a lot of time to breath then. There was well done character and plot development, as it played out over many episodes and seasons. Fitting it into a one hour and forty-five minute film means that somethings will be changed, somethings will be cut, and some moments will feel rushed.
But at the same time, there are moments that seem to go on too long. Some viewers might even lose interest in the middle of the movie. It feels as if it is coming to a climax at one point.. but then just keeps on going with unnecessary side stuff, before coming back around to deliver the finale.
That being said, while the lore is certainly not the same, the characters feel the same. Their emotions, morals, and personalities all shine through.
Overall Thoughts
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie takes the fan favorite series Miraculous and delivers it in a fresh new way. Fans of the show are sure to appreciate what it does and how it offers something new, that is more canon adjacent than anything else.
The animation is bright and colorful, making it a complete joy to watch — especially when combined with the catchy and entertaining songs. There are important messages, funny moments, and some great action sequences.
The most important thing that fans need to remember is that this is not in line with the series. There is a whole new origin story and a lot of the events that play out in the series, play out in a much different way. This is a great place to start to fall in love with Miraculous, and I highly recommend checking out the series after.
Rating: 3 out of 5
NEXT: Miraculous Coloring Pages
About Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie
PREPARE FOR SOMETHING MIRACULOUS.
The first feature film based on the globally beloved Miraculous franchise, Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie follows ordinary teenager Marinette, whose life in Paris goes superhuman when she becomes Ladybug. Bestowed with magical powers of creation, Ladybug must unite with her opposite, Cat Noir, to save Paris as a new villain unleashes chaos unto the city.
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie premieres on Netflix July 28th.
