Review: Julián Brings Jessica Love’s Beloved Children’s Book to Life in a Stunning Animated Masterpiece

By Kristy Puchko
Published September 13, 2026

Main Facts: A Triumphant Leap from Page to Screen

Following its highly anticipated North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Julián has quickly emerged as a frontrunner for the best animated feature of 2026. Directed by Louise Bagnall and produced by the acclaimed Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon—the creative force behind modern classics like The Secret of Kells, Wolfwalkers, and The Breadwinner—the 85-minute film is an adaptation of Jessica Love’s bestselling, critically acclaimed children’s book, Julián Is a Mermaid.

Starring young voice actor Knyght Darius Jack alongside Milcania Diaz-Rojas and Anthony Sardinha, Julián shifts away from the industry’s pervasive reliance on three-dimensional CGI. Instead, it crafts a distinct visual language that mimics the tactile texture of markers and crayons. The film tells the tender, vibrant story of a young Dominican American boy spending a summer in Brooklyn with his strict yet loving abuela, navigating family expectations, gender non-conformity, and the profound joy of self-expression.

Chronology: From Bathroom Mishaps to the Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Summer in Brooklyn: Setting the Stage

The narrative kicks off as bright, imaginative Julián (Jack) arrives in Brooklyn to spend the summer with his abuela (Diaz-Rojas). In the opening moments, his father, Javi (Sardinha), cheerfully supports the boy’s artistic flair and glitter-covered adventures. However, transitioning to Abuela’s household proves to be an immediate culture shock. Abuela operates under a strict "my way or the highway" parenting philosophy, leaving Julián to navigate unfamiliar rules.

In a charming nod to classic family comedies, the first act features a disastrous bathroom mishap reminiscent of Paddington. Julián’s innocent attempt to transform into a sea creature leaves the bathroom in absolute shambles. Director Louise Bagnall expertly frames these childhood antics as both endearing and exasperating, establishing immediate empathy for both the messy, joyful boy and his overwhelmed grandmother.

Expanding the World and Facing Conflict

While Jessica Love’s original 40-page book focuses on a swift, accepting bond between grandmother and grandson, the feature-length adaptation intentionally broadens the scope. Julián meets a lively trio of local girls busy planning their "mersonas" with sidewalk chalk and preparing for Coney Island’s iconic annual Mermaid Parade.

The tension builds when Abuela and her friends spot Julián interacting with the girls and make heteronormative assumptions about his future. Later, when Julián asks Abuela to style his hair so he can impress his new friends, she instead gives him a short-cropped cut meant to "show off [his] handsome face." Devastated, the boy bursts into tears.

Despite this heartbreak, Abuela eventually listens to his impassioned pleas for a bright, shimmering mermaid costume. Fearing how society might judge him, however, she warns him against being "too much"—subjecting him briefly to stifling gender norms under the guise of protection.

The Climax: A Race to Coney Island

Rather than following a quiet, direct walk to the beach, the film’s final act explodes into a rousing, tension-filled action sequence. When Julián runs away from home to join his friends at the Mermaid Parade, a race against time ensues. Simultaneously, a guilt-ridden Abuela embarks on her own determined mission to find him and mend what she fears she has broken.

Reaching the parade, Julián and his friends encounter a diverse, colorful cast of characters who gladly offer aid. A trio of queer-coded mermaids—some sporting facial hair—welcome the children with open arms, providing a poignant climax centered on the life-saving magic of finding one’s true community.

Supporting Data & Creative Context: The Animation Landscape of 2026

The theatrical landscape of 2026 has been heavily dominated by major intellectual property sequels and familiar animal-centric studio releases. The box office has seen waves of high-profile projects, including:

• The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
• Toy Story 5
• Minions & Monsters
• Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender
• PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie
• Original animal adventures such as GOAT, Pixar’s Hoppers, and Swapped.
• Upcoming autumn releases like Shaun The Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom, Forgotten Island, Wildwood, The Cat in the Hat, Steps, Ray Gunn, and Hexed.

Despite this crowded field of big-budget studio contenders, Julián stands apart by prioritizing a deeply personal, human-scale narrative about LGBTQ+ youth and identity.

Cartoon Saloon’s distinct artistic approach rejects standard photorealistic CGI. Instead, the film’s soft edges, bouncy character designs, and vibrant color palettes reflect Julián’s boundless energy. When the world transforms to mirror his imagination—featuring flying fish, aquatic goddesses, and whale sharks with bellies made of stars—viewers are treated to visual echoes of beloved works like Steven Universe, Spirited Away, Craig of the Creek, and Luca. Yet, Julián never feels derivative; it functions as a vital, solid stone in the ongoing cathedral of animation history.

Official Responses and Festival Reception

Julián received widespread critical acclaim following its world-class presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival. Reviewers have highlighted the emotional resonance of Knyght Darius Jack’s voice performance, particularly in scenes where Julián’s natural sparkle is temporarily suppressed by societal expectations.

Industry analysts have praised Cartoon Saloon for taking a delicate, universally resonant picture book and expanding it into a robust cinematic experience without losing its core message of radical self-acceptance. While distributors have yet to announce a wide theatrical release date following the TIFF premiere, early festival reactions strongly suggest the film will secure major distribution deals ahead of the upcoming awards season.

Implications: A Milestone for LGBTQ+ Representation in Family Animation

The release and critical triumph of Julián mark a significant cultural milestone for family-friendly entertainment. By tackling themes of gender expression, non-conformity, and identity without relying on heavy-handed exposition or explicit labels, the film treats its young protagonist with dignity and grace.

As children’s media continues to evolve, Julián proves that stories celebrating individuality and community can achieve both artistic mastery and commercial viability. By balancing moments of institutional pressure with an overwhelming tidal wave of love, validation, and joy, the film ensures that audiences—especially queer youth and families navigating similar journeys—see themselves reflected on the big screen with beauty, honesty, and enduring hope.