Entergalactic debuts on Netflix on Sept. 30, 2022.
Netflix’s Entergalactic – which was originally planned as a series, but ultimately executed as a TV special to accompany Kid Cudi’s upcoming album – is a pleasant surprise. Filled with talented young actors and popular musicians engulfed in imaginative animation, there was no doubt that the special would entertain, despite being a promotional device for future music. Thankfully, Entergalactic proves to be more than just a visual playlist. It’s actually a dope animated film in its own right.
Directed by Fletcher Moules, Entergalactic is an adult animated rom-com that depicts the comings and goings of street artist Jabari (Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi) during a transitional period of his life. Recent success with a promising new job has led to financial stability. A better apartment and a somewhat improved social life are a result. Things are moving fast for Jabari, so much so that he forgoes the notion of dating, since he just doesn’t have the time. That is, until he runs into his new neighbor, an inspiring photographer named Meadow (Jessica Williams).
The overall premise is somewhat formulaic: the chance meeting that turns into something more; friends offering advice and/or cautionary tales; a ubiquitous jaunt through the rain that potentially seals the deal, all before past happenings eventually present obstacles for the future. Essentially, Entergalactic’s romantic inspirations are evident if you’ve seen a few classic rom-coms. What makes it stand out is the way the film eventually ends up circumventing our expectations. The plot would be pleasant enough if it stuck to certain standards; the familiarity of it all wouldn’t completely mar the experience given how well the cast performs. Instead, it presents a story with an emphasis on the cultivation of healthy relationships, a feat accomplished by shying away from the more superfluous aspects of the genre.
There isn’t, for example, much in the way of confrontational conversations between the sexes. The comedic elements don’t always come at a side character’s expense. An occasional offense, in the form of a generalized term, is even rebuked in hopes of being more respectful. No one is overly judgmental about a person’s vices and what is or isn’t done on a first date. And the overarching conflict doesn’t hinge on someone being outright messy, allowing for any and all drama to ensue in a non-stereotypical manner. The same goes for the characters themselves. Entergalactic sports a majority Black cast that’s genuine in its representation; though they can be wild and unruly in a given situation, the characters are all simultaneously depicted in a pragmatic fashion.
While Entergalactic is centered on two people dealing with the challenges associated with a budding romance, the heart of its story lies in a desire to present a more mature stance, something pulled from a personal experience. At least, that’s the vibe one gets after watching how things unfold between the leads, which can be attributed to solid writing and voice acting. Cudi, in particular, does a good job portraying Jabari as a charming, likable, and an all-around trustworthy individual. Even better, he does it without coming off as cheesy. Williams’ Meadow, meanwhile, is charismatic. Her sophisticated, yet playful self often captivates when on screen, more so when playing opposite of Jabari; though Entergalactic is animated, the chemistry between Jabari and Meadow feels real enough. They’re a couple that both we and the supporting cast can equally root for.
Speaking of the supporting cast, a lot of them are extremely likable as well. Tyrone “Ty Dolla $ign” Griffin Jr. and Timothée Chalamet provide hilarious portrayals of Jabari’s friends Ky and Jimmy, respectively. Vanessa Hudgens’ Karina, Meadow’s best friend, is also funny; her and Ky’s wild dating stories were more than just a little engaging. There are other notable appearances, like Macaulay Culkin, Teyana Taylor, and Keith David, but unfortunately, their time on screen is short-lived.
It’s apparent that the music was created first as each song adheres perfectly to the scenes it accompanies.
Aside from Entergalactic’s refreshing story and capable cast, it also features some amazing animation. It offers brightly pastel colors with bold line work, awash in what appears to be a digital equivalent of acrylic paint, and excellent lighting/color treatment for the more melanated characters. That said, there are some rough bits – scenes where characters stutter about in a manner reminiscent of stop-motion animation but jankier; it’s like the frame rate dips, causing a choppy display over more fluid movements. This choppiness doesn’t happen during big scenes or the more action-oriented segments, though. And at most, it’s a mild distraction as most everything being shown looks gorgeous. When it comes to the score, there are no downsides. It’s apparent that the music was created first as each song adheres perfectly to the scenes it accompanies. This goes back to the idea that Entergalactic was more or less an advertisement for Cudi’s coming album. And sure, while there are portions that definitely resemble a music video, the overall package stands on its own.
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