Spirit Untamed

Spirit Untamed is a 2021 American animated adventure film produced by DreamWorks Animation. Directed by Elaine Bogan and co-directed by Ennio Torresan Jr., the film boasts a star-studded voice cast featuring Isabela Merced, Marsai Martin, and Mckenna Grace. This ambitious project is a standalone sequel to the striking 2002 Oscar-nominated movie 'Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,' bringing a different approach and perspective to the celebrated DreamWorks franchise.

In Spirit Untamed, the audience will meet Fortuna "Lucky" Prescott (voiced by Isabela Merced), a passionate young girl captivated by the freedom and spirit of the old west that runs through her veins. Lucky has moved from the city where she lived with her aunt, to the rural frontier town of Miradero, to stay with her estranged father after her mother's death. She is a free and resilient spirit, having inherited this unquenchable enthusiasm from her late mother, who was a daredevil horse-riding performer.

Early in her stay at her father's place, Lucky crosses paths with a wild mustang, whom she quickly christens Spirit. She instantly develops a strong connection with him despite her father's warnings about the wild stallion. Spirit isn't merely a wild horse; he encapsulates the untamed spirit of the frontier, an emblem of freedom and wanderlust—elements that deeply resound with our protagonist, Lucky.

Young, fearless Lucky, along with her two new-found best friends, the cautious yet adventurous Prudence (voiced by Marsai Martin) and the sweet, excited Abigail (voiced by Mckenna Grace), embark on an extraordinary journey to rescue Spirit and his herd from a heartless horse wrangler who plans to auction them off to a life of captivation. It's a dangerous venture, but the determined trio unflinchingly faces every adversity, demonstrating the power of friendship and courage, symbolizing their untamed spirits.

Isabela Merced's compelling voice acting, combined with her character Lucky’s notably energetic depiction - brimming with youthful resilience and a wild streak, is beautifully complemented by the characters of Martin's Prudence and Grace's Abigail. The trio of friends offer layered support, embodying themes of friendship, courage, perseverance and especially – girl power.

The film's overall visual approach is impressive, regardless of it having a departure from the more traditional animation style of its predecessor. Spirit Untamed introduces a new generation to the tale of Spirit, employing a modern computer-animated style. As the narrative unfolds across sprawling landscapes adorned with pleasant nature scenes, montages of friendship, daring rescue attempts, and frolicking young girls and horses, the detail-rich animation elevates the viewing experience.

Moreover, a key highlight of the film is its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that serves to enhance the emotional beats of the narrative. From uplifting tunes to the heartrending emotional strains, the music effectively communicates the emotional core of the film’s central themes - freedom, courage, perseverance, and friendship.

Spirit Untamed, at its core is a heartfelt, picturesque tale about the steadfast bonds of friendship, a child's determination to do the right thing, the inherent rugs-to-riches archetype, and the age-old horse-and-owner relationship, told through the dynamic backdrop of the American West. This compelling narrative lends itself to an emotional journey of love, loss, and self-discovery. A strong read for fans of the original film, as well as for a younger audience being introduced to the thought-provoking tale of Spirit and his unbreakable bond with a brave young girl.