Swapped is set in an imaginary world where woodland creatures are a mix of real world animals and plants. In the film, we focus on Ollie (Michael B Jordan) a pookoo, an otter like creature, and Ivy (Juno Temple) a Javan bird, which is a larger enthusiastic and headstrong bird. While these creatures cannot communicate with each other, and largely live in isolation, due to this lack of communication and fear of each other, Ollie and Ivy‘s chance encounter leads them to an adventure which begins with both of them switching their bodies. While director Nathan Greno largely entertains, distractive elements take you out of the viewing experience.
The world building at large doesn’t add much to the story, and it is here that the audience is distracted primarily. In a world filled with crosses of plants and animals, we expect this element to play a larger role, but what unfolds is a simple story that wastes its potential. In this film, which is backed by former Pixar executive John Lassseter, who was behind films like Toy Story and A Bug’s Lifein-depth world building is substituted for familiar superficiality.
Director: Nathan Grain
Cast: Michael B Jordan, Juno Temple, Tracy Morgan, Cedric The Entertainer
Streamer: Netflix
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