Overview
A mesmerizing tale of survival and self-discovery unfolds on a deserted island, where nature and fate intertwine.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- meditative
- melancholic
- dreamy
- quiet evening
- reflective afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as an acclaimed, visually beautiful and deeply affecting dialogue-free animated fable.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The shipwrecked mariner's survival, encounters, and family life unfold without spoken dialogue.
The deserted tropical island repeatedly frustrates escape while becoming the setting for the mariner's entire life.
The film uses uncluttered 2D animation, expansive ocean vistas, and spare character design to sustain its meditative mood.
The red turtle functions as an indistinguishable adversary and mysterious transforming presence rather than an explained character.
Films like The Red Turtle, and why
Song of the Sea
meditative animated fantasy, profound emotional themes, and a dialogue-light encounter with nature
My Neighbor Totoro
hand-drawn animation, mythic storytelling, family themes, and a contemplative relationship between humans and the natural world
Cast Away
survival on an isolated island, lyrical visual storytelling, and an intimate exploration of human resilience
The Secret of Kells
quiet fantasy, symbolic transformation, and emotionally resonant storytelling without conventional exposition
Movie Details
- Director
- Michael Dudok de Wit
- Release Date
- 2016-03-27
- Runtime
- 81 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (1407)
Cast
- Tom Hudson
- Baptiste Goy
- Axel Devillers
- Barbara Beretta
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Red Turtle about?
- A shipwrecked mariner's desperate struggle to escape a tropical island gradually becomes a wordless meditation on nature, love, and the shape of a human life.
- What is The Red Turtle like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Red Turtle as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is The Red Turtle violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in The Red Turtle as mild.
- What did critics think of The Red Turtle?
- Critics broadly regard the film as an acclaimed, visually beautiful and deeply affecting dialogue-free animated fable.
- Which films are like The Red Turtle?
- Films with a similar feel include Song of the Sea, My Neighbor Totoro, Cast Away, and The Secret of Kells.
- How long is The Red Turtle?
- The Red Turtle runs 81 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Red Turtle?
- In United States, The Red Turtle is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand.
