Ray Gunn Review: Brad Bird’s Retro-Futurist Noir Dazzles, But Does It Hit?

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"Ray Gunn" Review: Brad Bird's Retro-Futurist Noir Dazzles, But Does It Hit?

Brad Bird has spent decades on this one. The director of The Incredibles and Ratatouille first dreamed up Ray Gunn long ago, and the finished film finally premiered at the BFI London Film Festival. Netflix will release it on December 18, 2026.

So does the wait pay off? Critics are split, which makes this an interesting one. Here’s our review, based on the story, the cast, and what the first reviews are saying.

Story: A Private Eye in the City of Metropia

Ray Gunn is set in Metropia, a gigantic, glittering city in an alternate future as imagined from 1939. Think flying cars, glowing holograms, and a fresh coat of retro style.

Raymond Gunn (voiced by Sam Rockwell) is a former cop turned private eye. He’s honest, a little worn out, and barely keeping his business afloat. Humans run this city, and aliens are treated like second-class citizens. Ray doesn’t share that prejudice.

Then Arnold (Bobby Cannavale) hires him. Arnold is the fourth husband of Venus Nova, a megastar singer with a huge following. He suspects she’s cheating, and he wants Ray to follow her.

The case turns messy fast. People in Venus’s circle start turning up dead. Alien crime bosses enter the picture. A secret surfaces that could shake the whole city. And Ray finds himself falling for the woman he’s supposed to be watching.

The Voice Cast Is a Big Strength

Almost every review agrees on one point: the voice acting is excellent.

Rockwell gives Ray a warm, scruffy charm. Critics say the role feels like a blend of the eccentric, likable characters he’s played over the years.

Scarlett Johansson plays Venus Nova, a pop star often compared to Britney Spears or Taylor Swift. She also sings three original songs written for the film. Reviewers single her out as a standout, and her chemistry with Rockwell is one of the film’s best parts.

Tom Waits voices Eye-Ra, Ray’s grumpy three-legged alien sidekick. Alan Tudyk plays Venus’s overprotective manager. The ensemble also includes Matt Berry, Michelle Rodriguez, and Kathryn Hunter.

The World of Metropia Steals the Show

If there’s one thing nearly every critic praises, it’s the look of the film. Metropia is packed with detail, from towering skyscrapers to billboard holograms that promise “Welcome to the future.”

Bird borrows from classic film noir and old-school science fiction. The result feels both retro and new. Reviewers compare the mood to Blade Runner and old detective movies, with Bird’s trademark energy on top.

The film also has things to say. It touches on prejudice against outsiders, the pressure placed on pop stars, and the fight over AI-made art. Several critics liked that Bird tackled these ideas through a mystery.

Where Critics Are Split

Here’s where opinions part ways.

Some reviewers love it. One calls it a heartfelt, dazzling passion project. Another says it’s the film we need right now. A third rates it a perfect 10 and calls it an instant classic.

Others are more mixed. Variety says the film has more energy than charm and feels short on laughs and heart. IndieWire finds the message muddled and says several story threads feel underbaked. That review even wonders whether the story might have worked better as a series.

The Hollywood Reporter goes further and calls the film forgettable. Screen Rant sits in the middle. It says the film is one of Netflix’s better animated projects but lacks the extra spark to push it over the edge.

What Might Hold It Back

Three complaints come up again and again.

First, the mystery is crowded. Between murders, aliens, and a budding romance, some critics feel the plot buckles under its own weight.

Second, the tone plays it safe. A few reviewers say the story is toned down for a family audience. One calls it a gentle entry point into film noir.

Third, the film may lack the “Pixar magic” some viewers expect from Bird. It’s stylish, but it may not tug at your heart the way Ratatouille or The Incredibles did.

Who Should Watch It

Ray Gunn looks like a strong pick for fans of Brad Bird’s animation, sci-fi noir, and big visual worlds. It’s also a good family-friendly way to introduce younger viewers to detective stories. The film is rated PG.

If you want a tightly plotted mystery or a deeply emotional story, reviews suggest you may want to lower your expectations a bit.

The Verdict

Ray Gunn is gorgeous, inventive, and packed with great voice work. Critics disagree on whether the story and heart match the visuals. For most viewers, though, a trip to Metropia still looks worth taking.

Rating: 3.5/5

Watch the Trailer

Quick Facts

Title: Ray Gunn
Director: Brad Bird
Writers: Brad Bird, Matthew Robbins
Genre: Animated Sci-Fi Noir
Runtime: 1h 59m
Rated: PG
Voice cast: Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Waits, Bobby Cannavale, Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, Michelle Rodriguez, Kathryn Hunter
Studio: Skydance Animation
Producers: John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Lisa Beroud, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg
Premiere: BFI London Film Festival 2026 (Galas)
Netflix release date: December 18, 2026