Spirit Untamed (2021)

Spirit Untamed is a bright, big-hearted Western adventure that bottles the rush of open skies and the quiet ache of wanting to belong, then lets it gallop. Its colorful animation and sun-warmed frontier vibe make Miradero feel like a place you can step into, while Lucky’s headstrong spark—brought to life with real charm by Isabela Merced—keeps the story moving with humor and feeling instead of heaviness. The movie rides on an uplifting soundtrack and a spirited sense of momentum, delivering family-friendly thrills that are exciting without ever turning harsh. If you’re hoping for the brooding, near-silent majesty of the original Spirit, this one is lighter and more kid-forward—but as a crowd-pleasing, girl-led rescue romp, it’s easy to like and even easier to watch together.

Spirit Untamed is clearly trying to be a bright, kid-friendly frontier adventure about finding freedom, family, and a bond with a wild horse, and it does deliver a gentle, wholesome vibe. The problem is it plays things extremely safe: the story is predictable, the characters are thinly sketched, and the emotional beats often feel pre-packaged rather than earned. If you loved the original Spirit for its mood, visual artistry, and punchier storytelling, this newer, more “talky” and glossy-looking version may feel like a watered-down spin-off. But if you’re just after an easy PG ride with a few lively action moments and positive messages for younger kids, it’ll pass the time without offending anyone.