Finding Dory (2016)
A heartwarming dive into family, memory, and self-discovery with one of Pixar's most lovable characters taking center stage.
SPOILER-FREE SYNOPSIS:
A year after the events of Finding Nemo, the beloved forgetful blue tang Dory experiences a sudden breakthrough: she remembers she has parents somewhere in the ocean. Despite her short-term memory loss making every moment a fresh start, Dory sets out on a determined quest to find them. Her loyal friends Marlin and Nemo join her journey, leading this unlikely trio across vast ocean currents and into the Monterey Marine Life Institute—a place that holds more answers than Dory could have imagined.
Along the way, Dory encounters new friends who become as memorable as the mission itself. This is a story about the lengths we go to for family, the unexpected people who become our family, and discovering that our greatest challenges can become our greatest strengths. It's an emotional, colorful, and ultimately uplifting adventure that explores what it truly means to belong.
THE GOOD:
Animation & Environment:
The animators at Pixar have done a wonderful job with the environment and animal animations. Every underwater setting feels alive and detailed, from the vibrant coral reefs to the mysterious depths of the ocean, creating a visually stunning world that draws you into Dory's adventure.
Voice Talent & Character Development:
The voice talent gives each character a wonderfully fun personality. Ellen DeGeneres returns as Dory and is absolutely delightful, while the ensemble cast brings depth and charm to every supporting character, making the emotional moments land even harder.
Themes of Family & Acceptance:
The film thoughtfully explores what family means beyond biology, celebrating neurodiversity and showing that everyone has value and purpose, no matter their differences or perceived limitations.
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Sexual Content: Dory mistakenly thinks she needs to explain reproduction to Mr. Ray's class, beginning with "When two fish love each other..." before being interrupted; mild and handled quickly.
Language:Mild name-calling (crazy, stupid, insane, nuts); exclamations like "holy carp," "holy Neptune," "darn it," "heck"; generally very clean.
Violence & Gore: Scenes of characters being chased by a large squid; a baby fish swept away by a strong current; very light cartoon violence with comic relief softening the intensity. The filmmakers handle perilous situations in a way that dilutes rather than heightens the threat.
Disturbing Themes: Dory's separation from her parents as a young child and her subsequent loss of that memory; scenes depicting loneliness and fear; Dory experiences a panic attack. These emotional moments may resonate strongly with children who have anxiety about getting lost or separation from parents.
Other: No alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
Age Recommendation: 3+
FINAL VERDICT:
Finding Dory is a beautiful sequel that honors its predecessor while charting its own course. It's a film that celebrates the unconventional, teaches resilience through a child's eyes, and reminds us that family isn't always about where you come from—it's about who shows up for you. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful handling of difficult themes, and kids will be delighted by the colorful world and lovable characters. This is a movie that works for the whole family.
Available to rent or purchase on Prime (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4vCs0vv
RATING:
🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟 out of
🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟
