Turning Red
dir. Domee Shi · 2022
Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl in Toronto, discovers that her emotions can transform her into a giant red panda whenever she feels overwhelmed. As she navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence, balancing her family's expectations with her own desires, viewers are treated to a vibrant and chaotic exploration of growing up. Watching it feels like a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of teenage life, infused with humor and heart.
Toronto, Canada, 2002. Trying to juggle her burgeoning independence and the family's expectations is about to become even more complicated when 13-year-old high-achiever Mei Lee makes an eye-opening discovery. And as her hyperactive teenage hormones kick in, having a mind of their own, Mei's emotions also take on a life of their own: whenever she gets too stressed or excited about something, Mei triggers a strange, radical metamorphosis. Can Mei Lee endure puberty and the growing pains of growing up, or will she keep turning red?
Talking points
- the impact of cultural heritage on identity
- the experience of puberty
- family expectations vs. personal desires
- the role of animation in storytelling
