Ray Gunn (2026) – Stylish But Predictable

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“Ray Gunn” Film Details

• Director(s): Brad Bird
• Writer(s): Brad Bird, Matthew Robbins
• Runtime: 1 Hour(s) and 59 Minutes
• Public Release Date (Film Festival – Montclair Film Festival [More Coverage Of The 2026 Film Festival]): October 17, 2026
• Public Release Date (Netflix): December 18, 2026
• Genre(s): Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Animation
• Content Rating: Rated PG

Where To Watch This: Powered by

Movie Summary

Ray Gunn considers himself a good guy and an honest guy, maybe too honest, even. That’s why, in a futuristic, corrupt city, he couldn’t hang as a cop. But as a private detective, he tries to make a living. It’s a struggle; payment is inconsistent, but at least his friend, an alien named Eye-Ra, has stuck by him throughout his downfall.

But things might be looking up. Ray has a major client with big bucks who could help him get back what he lost to the repo man. However, the man who has always been on the up and up will find himself getting ever so close to those with the dirtiest hands.

Cast and Characters

• Ray (Sam Rockwell)
• Eye-Ra (Tom Waits)
• Venus Nova (Scarlett Johansson)

Review and Commentary

Who Is This For?

Those who enjoy Brad Bird’s previous work, his preferred art style, and want to watch an animated movie that leans more toward adults, with the only adult themes being people drinking, murder, affairs, and the usual staples of a noir, minus explicit sexual content.

Highlight(s)

Ray’s Dynamic With Eye-Ra [83/100]

With the world of Ray Gunn existing as a separate but equal society, and with aliens and humans treated differently, Eye-Ra and Ray’s dynamic feels special. Eye-Ra is like the uncle who never abandoned his nephew. Not because he needs the work, but more so because Eye-Ra knows Ray is a decent guy, tries hard, and isn’t just a co-worker but a friend.

This is seen throughout the movie as Ray advocates for Eye-Ra to join him in investigations, makes it clear he doesn’t stand for prejudice, and that Eye-Ra is more than his abilities. For while Eye-Ra being able to climb trees and buildings like they’re nothing is useful, that doesn’t mean Ray wants him to risk his life just for a good photo of someone cheating.  

Their dynamic, sometimes more than Ray and Venus, feels like the film’s core relationship, as it is sweet, comical at times, and truly gives you a sense of who Ray is.

Ray and Venus [82/100]

Ray’s major case in the film deals with the music star and huge brand known as Venus Nova. She is painted as volatile, a diva, and a potential flop in the making considering her attitude and recent sales numbers. But Ray is able to see and get a different side of her. With that, we see Venus deconstructed a bit, and she’s given layers and a sense of likability, and you might even be pushed to wonder whether she is a diva or whether everyone else is upset they can’t easily exploit her.

Which is part of what makes their relationship special. Since he has to be around her when she isn’t working, sometimes following her as well, he gets to see the real her. Sometimes through being voluntarily let in, other times not, but with each reveal comes some level of complexity.

Now, let me note, that’s not true of Venus’ storyline; you can see every reveal a mile away. However, when it comes to Venus’ early career and what it took to become the Venus Nova, you see a bit more of how the gray of Ray Gunn’s world works. This makes Venus not only a central figure, but one who lives up to all the advertisements featuring her welcoming you to the city, because she does that not only for visitors in the movie but for viewers like you.

On The Fence

Anything Resembling A Twist Or Reveal You Can See Or Hear A Mile Away [71/100]

Ray Gunn isn’t so predictable that it is boring, but it also doesn’t hide well the multiple twists and reveals it could have. It’s not spelled out, but if you pay attention, there isn’t much masking what could happen.

Dancing delicately around spoilers, let’s say Ray Gunn isn’t the type of film to create a bunch of characters just to throw you off, and the voice acting doesn’t help to hide notable developments. That is only a minor disappointment for me, but I can imagine that, with “adult” animation being rare, some might be disappointed by a workable, certainly entertaining, but perhaps overly simple story.

Overall

Our Rating (78/100): Mixed (Divisive)

While I wouldn’t say Ray Gunn is the best animated picture of the year, it’s certainly an entertaining one that will justify the cost of a Netflix subscription. But beware: while likable and visually stunning, story-wise it is basic in ways that may not live up to its hype.

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