Released in 2022, Disney and Pixar's is a bold coming-of-age story that uses a 12-foot-tall red panda as a vibrant metaphor for the "hairy" transition into puberty. Directed by Domee Shi , the film centers on 13-year-old Meilin "Mei" Lee, a high-achieving Chinese-Canadian girl living in 2002 Toronto. Mei's life is upended when she discovers a family curse: whenever she experiences strong emotions, she "poofs" into a giant red panda. Key Themes and Cultural Impact
The film is celebrated for its unapologetic exploration of female adolescence and immigrant family dynamics. 'Turning Red' Tackles the Big Red Panda In the Room Turning Red
