• Release year: 2024
• Director: Nicola Rose.
• Producers: Tierney Boorboor, Rebeka Herron, and Drew Martin.
• Screenplay by: Nicola Rose.
• Cinematography by: Mathieu Taillefer.
• Music by: Matthew Reid.

Shotgun Commentary: wholesome story with gorgeous, fantastic elements, and performances that feel like a nice, warm hug.

Review

Magnetosphere is the type of film you will love, even if you’re not normally into movies protagonised by kids. There is a common phenomenon among young adults and childless adults in regard to movies. Of course, it doesn’t apply universally, but it is popular enough that you will likely know at least one person who fits the category. That is, adults who can’t stand movies protagonised by children.

This doesn’t come out of hatred towards kids, merely from a complete disconnection with the narrative. They don’t see anything of themselves in these stories, and they have no children that might make them want to sacrifice their time for the sake of the rugrats.

As a result, they aren’t usually attracted to films protagonised by children. Well, yours truly is here to ask you to give this film a chance. Far from the common shrill format that tends to accompany children narratives, this feature is delicate, wholesome, and warm without becoming cloying.

Where the visions are

The story follows Maggie (Shayelin Martin), a preteen girl with synesthesia, a condition that is not really obvious from the very beginning unless you have read the synopsis beforehand. In fact, if you, like this critic, happen to have watched Bones (2005–2017) one too many times, you might have severe flashbacks and mix up her condition with a far deadlier one. The lights and letters she writes in the air, plus the doll that speaks to her, far too similar to Booth’s (David Boreanaz, Bones) visions of Stewie Griffin (Family Guy, 1999–) when he had a brain tumour.

Fear not, the doll doesn’t speak because Maggie is seriously ill, merely as a result of her own preteen insecurities. A tamer version of Big Mouth’s hormone monsters (2017-2025), if you will. The doll, Captain Cassiopeia (Tara Strong), is sassy, fun in the meanest way, and about as b*tchy as one can get in a movie suitable for children. Her presence is fun and brings the right amount of acid into an otherwise docile story.

“Docile” might seem like a critique, but in this particular narrative, there couldn’t be a better approach. In a world where the media presents relationships with an age gap as twisted dramas and unrequited love as the end of the world, this film brings a fresh perspective, becoming the green flag we all need to see to reinforce our belief in this world. It is the punk rocker of love dramas, as it were.

Love and talent

Maggie falls in love with a much older man, Travis (Steven He). Travis is objectively young, as he is a university student, but he is still way older than 13-years-old Maggie, a fact that raises all kinds of alarms given the harsh reality we live in. However, it is easy to forget amidst the horror that everyone has gone through that. Being young and falling for an adult figure is natural and doesn’t have to become a drama or a horrifying situation. Luckily, most times it is exactly how it is portrayed in this film, and a reminder of that average but innocent reality feels like a balm to the could.

Steven He, whom you might know if phrases like “Emotional Damage” and “I will send you to Jesus” ring a bell, steps outside his comfort zone as a standup comedian to deliver a role that, although still fun, is more situated in the realm of vulnerability. He plays a straightforward character that is put in a very tricky situation, one from which he comes out victorious as one of the greenest flags of 2025. Hopefully, this performance will mean that his acting career is far from over, and we’ll soon be able to see more of him.

All in all, Magnetosphere is a soft, beautiful story that brings attention to a curious disorder, but most importantly, takes you back to your preteen years in the most fun and original way. It reminds you of the insecurities, itches, and discomfort of those years, while keeping it light and entertaining. A great story to watch if you need a bit of faith in life or a pick-me-up.

Find out where you can rent or purchase Magnetosphere here!

Advice to take from this movie:

• Bring back the bloopers sequence during credits. It ALWAYS works.
• You don’t need a toxic romance to make a movie interesting.
• Don’t make your child characters strident, there’s no need for it if the story is good.

What’s your take? Have you watched Magnetosphere? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message in my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀