Salma's Big Wish (2019)

Salma’s Big Wish has that rare, storybook kind of magic that feels personal: a vibrant Mexican Day of the Dead-inspired fantasy that uses its colors, music, and folklore to ask a universal question about where we come from and what we owe the people who came before us. It’s an energetic, heartfelt adventure with a determined heroine and a playful sibling trio dynamic, moving easily between comedy, wonder, and moments of real tenderness without turning heavy-handed. The animation leans into a warm, celebratory vibe even as it brushes up against grief and the idea of death, making it more comforting than scary, though there is some cartoony fantasy peril and brawling along the way. If you enjoy family films that mix cultural specificity with big emotions and a brisk quest, this one is an easy invitation to believe in wishes again.

Salma's Big Wish is clearly aiming for a heartfelt, kid-friendly Day of the Dead-style adventure about identity, family, and learning to live with loss, and that intention is genuinely sweet. The problem is the storytelling feels choppy and rushed, with characters who don’t get enough depth, so the emotional moments can land more like bullet points than gut punches. The animation and action lean more “serviceable TV special” than feature-level polish, and the fantasy violence (brawls, monsters, falls) may be a bit intense for very sensitive younger kids despite the family label. If you’re looking for a richly crafted, tearjerking holiday classic, this probably won’t scratch that itch—but if your expectations are modest, there are a few charming cultural touches and an earnest message that might still make it a decent one-time watch.