Migration (2023) is an animated adventure comedy film produced by Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. Directed by Benjamin Renner and co-directed by Guylo Homsy, the film features a screenplay by Mike White, known for The White Lotus. Released in the United States on December 22, 2023, Migration became the first animated film to be released worldwide in the ScreenX format.
🎭 Voice Cast
- Kumail Nanjiani as Mack Mallard, the overprotective father
- Elizabeth Banks as Pam Mallard, the adventurous mother
- Caspar Jennings as Dax Mallard, the confident son
- Tresi Gazal as Gwen Mallard, the innocent daughter
- Danny DeVito as Uncle Dan, the adventure-averse relative
- Keegan-Michael Key as Delroy, a homesick Jamaican-accented scarlet macaw
- Awkwafina as Chump, the one-footed gritty leader of a New York pigeon gang
- Carol Kane as Erin, a great blue heron whom the Mallards befriend on their journey
- David Mitchell as GooGoo, an American Pekin who is the yogic leader of a duck farm
- Isabela Merced as Kim, a duck whose family is heading to Jamaica
📖 Plot Summary
Set in Moosehead Pond, New England, Migration follows the Mallard family—Mack, Pam, and their children, Dax and Gwen. Mack is a cautious and overprotective father who discourages his family from venturing beyond their familiar surroundings. However, after meeting a flock of migrating ducks heading to Jamaica, Pam convinces Mack to embark on their first winter migration. The journey takes them through various adventures, including encounters with a heron, pigeons, and a parrot in perilous situations. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about family, courage, and embracing the unknown.
🎶 Music and Soundtrack
The film’s score was composed by John Powell, marking his second collaboration with Illumination following The Lorax (2012). The music complements the film’s adventurous tone and emotional depth.
🏆 Reception and Box Office
Migration received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its vibrant animation and heartfelt storytelling. The film grossed over $300 million worldwide, demonstrating its broad appeal to family audiences. However, some critics noted that the film’s plot lacked originality and that its humor was occasionally dry. Despite these critiques, the film was commended for its character development and emotional resonance.
🏠 Home Media and Streaming
The film was released on digital download on January 23, 2024, and on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K Ultra HD on February 27, 2024. It includes three short films—Fly Hard, Mooned, and Midnight Mission. Migration became available for streaming on NBCUniversal’s Peacock service on April 19, 2024, and later moved to Netflix on August 19, 2024, as part of Universal’s distribution deal.
Migration stands out as a family-friendly animated film that combines humor, adventure, and emotional depth, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.
