Brad Bird’s animated neo-noir sci-fi film “Ray Gunn” follows a private detective (voiced by Sam Rockwell) who gets pulled into a plot involving a volatile starlet and a femme fatale character portrayed by Scarlett Johansson. Reviewers describe the movie’s retro-futurist city—filled with flying cars, jetpacks, holograms and other period-style technology—as a major draw, alongside strong voice performances that lean into classic Bogie-and-Bacall-style intrigue.
Across outlets, critics emphasize that the film blends crime noir storytelling with classic science-fiction visuals. Several reviews highlight its big-hearted tone and craftsmanship, calling the result visually dazzling and accessible, while others note that it can feel sprawling or uneven in pacing. Some writers also characterize the message as muddled, even as they praise the film’s immersive world-building and energy. Overall coverage converges on the same core elements: Bird’s long-term passion project, a detective-driven mystery, and a stylized future that repeatedly nods to classic noir.
The film’s production background is also cited in reviews, including involvement from Skydance Animation and producers associated with John Lasseter, with some outlets placing its release in late-2024/December and tying it to Netflix and the London Film Festival.
