Descendants: The Rise of Red is the fourth installment in Disney’s Descendants franchise, released on Disney+ on July 12, 2024. This musical fantasy film introduces new characters while bringing back familiar faces, expanding the universe of the offspring of iconic Disney heroes and villains.
The narrative centers on Red (Kylie Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) from Wonderland, and Chloe (Malia Baker), the perfectionist daughter of Cinderella (Brandy Norwood). Despite Wonderland’s isolation from Auradon, Red receives an invitation to enroll at Auradon Prep, now under the leadership of Principal Uma (China Anne McClain), daughter of Ursula. This opportunity sets the stage for Red to step out of her mother’s shadow and explore a world beyond Wonderland.
Upon Red’s arrival at Auradon, the Queen of Hearts orchestrates a coup, threatening the kingdom’s peace. To prevent impending chaos, Red and Chloe form an unlikely alliance and embark on a time-traveling journey using a magical pocket watch. Their mission is to identify and alter a pivotal event in the past that led to the Queen of Hearts’ descent into villainy. This quest takes them to the era when their mothers were teenagers, offering insights into the origins of their behaviors and the complexities of their relationships.
The film is lauded for its vibrant visuals, imaginative set designs, and dynamic musical sequences. It features seven new original songs, along with reprises of classics like “What’s My Name” and “So This is Love,” seamlessly blending nostalgia with fresh compositions. The choreography, crafted by Ashley Wallen, adds energy and flair to the storytelling.
Performances by the cast have been well-received. Kylie Cantrall’s portrayal of Red captures the character’s rebellious yet vulnerable nature, while Malia Baker’s Chloe embodies grace and determination. The film also marks the return of Brandy Norwood as Cinderella, reprising her role from the 1997 adaptation of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” adding depth and continuity to the narrative.
Descendants: The Rise of Red not only explores themes of identity, choice, and the impact of one’s past but also pays homage to the legacy of Cameron Boyce, who portrayed Carlos in the earlier films. His presence is felt throughout the movie, with the cast and crew acknowledging his lasting impact on the franchise.
The film offers a blend of adventure, music, and heartfelt moments, appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences. Its success has paved the way for a fifth installment, with stars Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker set to reprise their roles, continuing the legacy of the “Descendants” series.