Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie

Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie, also known as Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie, is an animated musical and romantic superhero film from France, released on 11 June 2023. This movie is based on the popular animated series Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir. Directed and co-written by Jeremy Zag, the film tells the story of two teenagers from Paris, Marinette Dupain-Cheng and Adrien Agreste, who turn into superheroes Ladybug and Cat Noir to save their city from the evil Hawk Moth and his supervillains.

The film had a production budget of €80 million (approximately $86 million), making it one of the most expensive French films ever produced. With a running time of 102 minutes, it explores the origins of the beloved characters, giving fans a deeper understanding of their adventures and challenges.

The story begins with Marinette, a socially awkward teenager, who tries to keep a low profile at school. She forms a friendship with Alya Césaire but struggles to avoid the mean girl, Chloé Bourgeois. When Marinette accidentally encounters Adrien, she develops a crush on him. However, Adrien is emotionally distant, dealing with the loss of his mother. This sets the stage for their transformation into Ladybug and Cat Noir, who must confront Hawk Moth, who seeks to control their powers for his own agenda.

The film was announced in 2018, with production starting in 2019. The animation was done by ON Animation Studios in Montreal, Canada. The film premiered at the Grand Rex theater in Paris and opened in France on 5 July 2023. It was also made available on Netflix on 28 July 2023 for other regions.

Upon release, Ladybug & Cat Noir: The Movie received mixed reviews. Critics praised the animation quality, the engaging soundtrack, and the action sequences. However, some felt the story was overly simplistic and did not meet the expectations set by the television series. The film grossed $40.1 million worldwide, performing well in some European markets, yet being viewed as a box office disappointment in France due to the franchise's popularity and initial expectations.

In the climax of the film, after battling various villains and dealing with personal challenges, Marinette and Adrien come to a turning point that tests their relationship and their roles as superheroes. The emotional journey culminates in a heartfelt moment at the Winter Ball, where both characters reveal their identities to each other and share a kiss, solidifying their bond.

The movie features a talented voice cast, including Anouck Hautbois as Marinette and Benjamin Bollen as Adrien. The soundtrack, composed by Jeremy Zag, adds a captivating musical element to the storytelling, with songs that enhance the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences.

Looking ahead, Jeremy Zag has hinted at the possibility of sequels, with scripts already prepared for potential future films. Fans of the franchise can anticipate more adventures featuring their favorite characters in the years to come.