My Father’s Dragon Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Kid needing cash for a store runs away, takes advice from a talking cat, and hops on a whale to a sinking island to rescue a scared, goofy dragon from upset animals who need him to stop the island from sinking… somehow.

🍿 My Father’s Dragon: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Difficult Life in the City

The story begins with Elmer Elevator and his mother, Dela, forced to leave their small town and close their general store due to hard times. They move to Nevergreen City with dreams of opening a new business, but soon face financial struggles and the harsh reality of urban life. Elmer desperately wants to help his mother and restore their dream.

A Whispering Cat and a Wild Island

After a frustrating argument with his mother, Elmer encounters a talking cat who tells him about a captive dragon on a mysterious place called Wild Island. The cat suggests this dragon could hold the key to solving Elmer’s problems. Fueled by hope and a desire to help his family, Elmer decides to embark on a perilous journey to this faraway island.

Arrival on Wild Island and Meeting Boris

Elmer travels to Wild Island with the help of a friendly whale named Soda. Upon arrival, he learns the island is in danger: it is slowly sinking into the sea. The island’s animal inhabitants, led by the gorilla Saiwa, have captured a young dragon named Boris, forcing him to constantly pull the island up to prevent it from disappearing entirely.

Frees the Dragon and Seeks Answers

Elmer successfully frees Boris, a friendly but somewhat clumsy dragon. He learns that Boris is expected to become an “After Dragon” by performing a specific feat to save the island permanently, but he doesn’t know how. Together, Elmer and Boris set out across the island, hoping to find an ancient tortoise named Aratuah, who they believe holds the secret to saving Wild Island.

Navigating Dangers and Facing Fears

As they journey, Elmer and Boris encounter various animals of Wild Island, some helpful and some hostile, all while trying to evade Saiwa and his monkey followers who want Boris back. Elmer learns more about Boris’s fears, including heights and water, and the pressure Boris feels to save the island. Their friendship deepens amidst the challenges.

Discovery and Despair

Elmer and Boris finally reach Aratuah’s location, only to discover the tortoise is long deceased. This devastating realization leaves Boris heartbroken and the fate of the island seemingly sealed. The rising sea level and the growing desperation of the island’s inhabitants intensify the crisis.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Elmer Elevator (Jacob Tremblay): A determined young boy who ventures to Wild Island in search of a dragon to help restore his family’s struggling general store.
• Boris (Gaten Matarazzo): A clumsy and fearful young dragon held captive on Wild Island who befriends Elmer and needs to discover his true power.
• Dela (Golshifteh Farahani): Elmer’s single mother who struggles financially after their store closes, motivating Elmer’s quest.
• Kwan (Chris O’Dowd): A doubtful macaque who serves as Saiwa’s second-in-command and questions their plan to save Wild Island.
• Soda (Judy Greer): A friendly and helpful whale who transports Elmer across the sea to Wild Island.
• Iris (Dianne Wiest): A mother rhinoceros trapped in a pit on Wild Island whom Elmer and Boris encounter and aid.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elmer: “We just need to save up enough money… we’ll open another shop.” – Elmer desperately clings to the hope of his family regaining stability by reopening their general store in the city.
• Cat: “Beyond the city lies Wild Island… and on Wild Island, there’s a dragon.” – The mysterious cat reveals the existence of a magical island and a dragon who could potentially solve Elmer’s problems.
• Boris: “When dragons are ten years old, they come to Wild Island, and they save it from sinking, and this turns them into an After Dragon!” – Boris excitedly explains the ancient rite of passage for dragons and his purpose on the island.
• Saiwa: “I was just scared… I didn’t want anyone else to be.” – The leader of the island animals confesses his fear and why he hid the truth about the island’s fate and the dragon’s role.
• Elmer: “It’s the roots… They’re pulling it down!” – Elmer has a sudden realization about the true cause of the island’s predicament during a critical moment.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000 (estimated)
• Domestic Gross: $N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $3,664

💥 My Father’s Dragon Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘My Father’s Dragon’ mostly just knowing it was by the Cartoon Saloon folks, whose animation style I adore. And wow, the visuals did not disappoint! Seriously, every frame is like a painting; the city felt grim but detailed, and Wild Island was this explosion of color and bizarre, cool creatures. I really connected with Elmer’s journey, not just his big adventure but the quiet moments with his mom at the beginning. You feel the weight they’re carrying, and his desperation to help feels so real. Then he meets Boris, and their dynamic is just… goofy and sweet. I admit Boris is a lot at first, but their friendship grows on you in a big way. The scene where Boris finally finds his true strength near the end was genuinely moving. It’s not the deepest story ever, especially compared to other Cartoon Saloon films, but the sheer heart and visual charm made it a really enjoyable watch for me. It felt like diving into a classic storybook.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming animated adventure”
  • “Fans of Cartoon Saloon’s distinct 2D animation style”
  • “Children interested in stories about bravery and friendship”
  • “Viewers who enjoy fantasy tales with emotional depth”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of financial hardship and loss (early in the film)”
  • “Mild peril and suspenseful situations (animals in danger, sinking island)”
  • “Some potentially intense scenes for very young viewers”
  • “Separation from parent (briefly)”

Professional Reviews

• Review: “Cartoon Saloon delivers another visually stunning 2D animated film with ‘My Father’s Dragon’. While perhaps the weakest entry from the studio in terms of narrative depth compared to past masterpieces like ‘Wolfwalkers’, it remains a heartfelt and charming tale of friendship. The animation is simply gorgeous, with vibrant colors and expressive character designs that feel straight out of a children’s book. Jacob Tremblay and Gaten Matarazzo lend strong voice performances, although Boris the dragon can be a bit much at times. It’s a sweet, emotional journey best enjoyed with family.
• Review: “‘My Father’s Dragon’ unfortunately falls short of the high bar set by Cartoon Saloon’s previous work. While the signature hand-drawn animation is beautiful, the story feels conventional and lacks the complexity or emotional resonance that captivated audiences in films like ‘Song of the Sea’. The transition from a grounded story of poverty to a full-blown fantasy adventure feels abrupt. Some characters, particularly the dragon, can be grating. It’s a decent kids’ movie with lovely visuals, but fans of the book or the studio might find it disappointing.

Audience Reactions

Most viewers loved the stunning hand-drawn animation and the adorable, if sometimes annoying, dragon character, Boris.: The film’s visual style is consistently lauded as beautiful and unique, capturing a storybook feel.

Many appreciated the heartfelt themes of bravery, friendship, and overcoming fear, finding it a good message for families.: The emotional core of the relationship between Elmer and Boris resonated with many viewers.

Overall Consensus: A visually beautiful and charming animated adventure praised for its unique art style and the bond between its lead characters, though some viewers found the story less complex and impactful compared to Cartoon Saloon’s previous films or the source material.

Awards

1. Annie Award (Outstanding Achievement for Production Design in an Animated Feature Production)- 2023
2. Annie Award (Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in an Animated Feature Production)- 2023
3. Annie Award (Outstanding Achievement for Writing in an Animated Feature Production)- 2023

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Voice actor Jacob Tremblay recorded his lines for the film before his work on Pixar’s Luca (2021).”
• “Gaten Matarazzo, who voiced Boris the Dragon, recorded his lines alongside Jacob Tremblay during the production process.”
• “Director Nora Twomey reportedly visited author Ruth Stiles Gannett and discussed the story at length, using these conversations to inspire deviations from the book’s plot.”
• “The film was produced by Cartoon Saloon remotely during the COVID-19 lockdowns, requiring significant adaptation in their animation workflow.”

🖥️ How to Watch My Father’s Dragon?

Currently, the animated film “My Father’s Dragon” is available exclusively for streaming on Netflix. Subscribers can watch it as part of their subscription. Check the Netflix platform for availability in your specific region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed My Father’s Dragon, you might like these similar films:

• Song of the Sea (2014): From the same acclaimed animation studio, sharing a distinct 2D art style and focusing on themes of family, magic, and an emotional journey.
• The Neverending Story (1984): A classic fantasy adventure where a young boy escapes into a magical world, embarking on a quest to save it from destruction.
• Spirited Away (2001): A visually stunning Studio Ghibli film featuring a young protagonist who enters a strange, magical realm and must navigate its challenges to survive and grow.
• Where the Wild Things Are (2009): Explores the inner world of a child who runs away, finds solace among fantastical creatures on an island, and deals with complex emotions.
• Paddington 2 (2017): A heartwarming and visually creative modern family film centered around a kind protagonist’s adventure, emphasizing friendship and perseverance.

🛒 My Father’s Dragon Related Products

• My Father’s Dragon: The Original Book: Experience the classic children’s novel that inspired the film, featuring the charming original illustrations by Ruth Chrisman Gannett. A timeless tale of a boy’s journey to Wild Island to rescue a dragon.
• The Art of My Father’s Dragon: Explore the stunning visual development of the film with this collection of concept art, character designs, and background paintings, showcasing Cartoon Saloon’s incredible animation style.
• Boris the Dragon Plush Toy: Bring home your own huggable version of the goofy, lovable dragon Boris! Soft, cuddly, and ready for adventures.
• My Father’s Dragon Blu-ray + Digital: Own the beautiful animated film in stunning high definition with bonus features, allowing you to revisit Elmer and Boris’s adventure anytime.

🎧 Soundtrack

My Father’s Dragon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Beautiful Dreamer” – performed by The Morrie Morrison Orchestra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Rigging tests and gifs created with Moho during “My father’s dragon” production ✨

Ever wondered how those beautiful Cartoon Saloon animations are made? Check out these cool technical tests and see a glimpse into the rigging process – it’s fascinating how they bring the characters to life!

Gaten Matarazzo & Jacob Tremblay on Dealing with Their Voices Changing 😅

Hear from the voices of Elmer and Boris themselves! Gaten Matarazzo and Jacob Tremblay chat about making the movie and even joke about their voices changing during recording – it’s pretty funny!

Jacob Tremblay Wants What Kind Of Dragon?!

Get a closer look at Elmer’s character straight from Jacob Tremblay! He talks about his experience filming and what kind of dragon he’d actually want – worth watching if you loved Elmer in the movie!

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