Sci-fi animation The Mitchells vs the Machines arrives on streaming

29 Apr 2021 in New Releases

4 mins
The Mitchells vs. the Machines
The Mitchells vs. the Machines

We are all incredibly excited for many cinemas around the country to open their doors to audiences again in mid-May but, here at Into Film, we believe that the capacity for film to entertain and educate has never truly disappeared. 

This week we'd like to highlight a new science-fiction animation for families arriving on Netflix as well as showcasing a number of excellent animated short films from around Europe, available to view for anyone who has a free Into Film account. 

The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Produced by animators and filmmakers Lord & Miller, who have been responsible for some of the most popular animations of the last decade (Cloudy With a Chance of MeatballsThe Lego® Movie and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) comes this family-oriented animation that takes an unexpected sci-fi twist. 

The Mitchells are a dysfunctional family that decide to take one last road trip together before their daughter heads off to college. Struggling to find a connection with each other due to their over-reliance on technology, their world is suddenly turned upside down when they find themselves in the midst of a robot uprising. Wacky, colourful and packed to the brim with jokes, The Mitchells and the Machines also has some insightful things to say about family, growing up and technology's role in modern society.

New Shorts From Into Film

I'm Not Scared of the Crocodile; Senses; Louis' Shoes; Family Bonds

First off, an unconventional yet endearing animation from Spain, I'm Not Scared of the Crocodile, which sees the narrator and animator at war with his characters, especially the strange little crocodile at the center. Next up is Senses, a gorgeous animation from a group of six students in France, that tracks the dual lives of two men during their morning routine; one of these men lives without colour and the other without sound but, due to a cheeky frog, their two worlds are about to collide. 

Staying in France for now with Louis' Shoes, we are introduced to Louis, an 8-year-old autistic boy who is introducing himself to his new class for the first time. Told entirely from Louis' perspective, with the animated style depicting his experience of the world as an autistic person, this is an inclusive film for all ages. And lastly we end up in Germany with Family Bonds, a thoughtful and sweet film about Hugo, a little fox who has geese for a mother and father. When an encounter with another fox has Hugo questioning his identity, his parents prove that their love for him is far more important than their difference in appearance. 

New Film Guides to Download

Monsters, Inc; Shaun the Sheep: Farmageddon; The Emoji Movie

Our film guides are built to aid educators in the classroom or at home, using a framework of discussion points and activities for young people to consider films in new and invigorating ways. Here are four new film guides around the theme Animations to get stuck into at home or with your film clubs. From classic Pixar CGI animation to popular British stop-motion these film guides can be used for targeted lessons or for a wider appreciation of film.

New Film Lists

Graphic Novels

We have also been curating fresh film lists on all kinds of themes and subjects across the curriculum and what better way to learn a new language, or refresh yourself with an old one, than to immerse yourself in storytelling and, specifically, cinema. This week we take a look at the world of comic and graphic novel adaptations. With a focus that moves beyond superhero films, the films here are notably varied and challenging but all equally mesmerising. 

This Article is part of: New Releases

Our top picks from each week's new cinema and DVD releases, all in one handy place....

View other Articles in this column

You may also be interested in...

Viewing 4 of 4 related items.

Into Film Clubs

Into Film Clubs

Find out everything you need to know about starting an Into Film Club.

News details

Want to write for us?

Get in touch with your article ideas for the News and Views section.