‘Ray Gunn’ Review: Sam Rockwell And Scarlett Johansson Channel Bogie And Bacall In Brad Bird’s Nifty Sci-Fi/Film Noir Mashup – London Film Festival

Oscar-winning director Brad Bird returns with "Ray Gunn," a distinctive animated feature that premiered at the London Film Festival, signaling a fresh contender in the Best Animated Feature race. Produced under Skydance Animation's collaboration with Netflix and counting David Ellison among its producers, the film presents a vibrant fusion of film noir aesthetics with a futuristic world.

Set in the imaginary city of Metropia, which echoes the year 1939 but reimagined as an alternate future, "Ray Gunn" embraces the stylistic trademarks of classic detective films from the 1940s. The movie channels the spirit of iconic noir narratives reminiscent of The Maltese Falcon and The Big Sleep, while incorporating elements reminiscent of Blade Runner and other sci-fi classics. This creative blend extends into the film’s visual design, which integrates vibrant CGI to craft a universe that juxtaposes analog detective methods with a high-tech digital environment.

The protagonist, Ray Gunn—voiced by Sam Rockwell—is a private detective who operates with an old-school approach in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence. His partner, Eye Ra Kadock, voiced by Tom Waits, is a unique cyclopian alien, further emphasizing the film's inventive mix of characters and genres.

The plot centers on a high-stakes investigation involving Venus Nova, a troubled pop superstar brought to life by Scarlett Johansson. Venus finds herself accused of murdering one of her ex-husbands, a situation that complicates her already strained relationship with her record label, Megamax, managed by her former spouse Barry Vogel, played by Alan Tudyk. As Ray Gunn delves deeper, the narrative unfolds with twists involving a host of colorful figures, including an alien mob boss and various other shady characters, all enhancing the film’s layered storytelling.

Supporting roles include Bobby Cannavale as Arnold Dam, co-owner of the Moon Room nightclub where a character resembling Venus performs cover songs, and Michelle Rodriguez as Police Captain Roz Drexler. Michael Chernus and Kathryn Hunter round out the cast, portraying a former cop and a treacherous alien smuggler, respectively. These performances contribute to a richly populated world that balances humor, suspense, and character-driven drama.

Brad Bird collaborated with Matthew Robbins on the screenplay, crafting a narrative that honors the conventions of noir while innovatively blending them with futuristic and animated motifs. The film’s score, composed by Michael Giacchino, complements this tonal hybrid by respecting genre traditions without falling into predictable patterns.

"Ray Gunn" is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 4, 2026, followed by streaming availability on Netflix starting December 18. Its PG rating and nearly two-hour runtime position it as an accessible and engaging option for adult audiences and families alike, challenging traditional boundaries often seen in animated features.

The production also benefits from the involvement of notable producers including John Lasseter and Lisa Beroud alongside Bird and Ellison. This assembly of creative and executive talent underscores the film’s ambition to resonate both critically and commercially.

With its debut at a prestigious international festival and a unique narrative approach, "Ray Gunn" stands out as a compelling addition to the evolving landscape of animated cinema, merging nostalgia and innovation in ways that could appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers.