Over the Moon

Fei Fei is a ten-year-old girl living in Beijing who struggles to cope with the sudden loss of her mother. While her father, Chang, tries to move forward with his diplomatic career, Fei Fei finds solace in science and a secret project: building a rocket from scrap metal. Her ambitious goal is to launch herself to the moon and meet Chang'e, the legendary Moon Goddess, proving that she exists.

Released on Netflix in October 2020, this animated feature marks the directorial return of Glen Keane after decades of creating classics like The Little Mermaid. The film blends traditional hand-drawn animation with modern 3D computer graphics to create a unique visual style. It features a voice cast including Cathy Ang as Fei Fei, John Cho as her father, and Phillipa Soo as the vain yet lonely goddess Chang'e. [edit]

Life for Fei Fei changes drastically when her mother passes away, leaving her father Chang alone to raise their daughter. To help Fei Fei focus, Chang sends her to a prestigious science academy where she meets Jing, a new friend who encourages her scientific pursuits. Despite these efforts, Fei Fei remains withdrawn and obsessed with the legend of Chang'e. She believes the goddess lives on the moon and that if she can build a rocket strong enough to reach it, she will find answers about her mother's passing or perhaps even see her again.

Fei Fei spends months constructing a homemade rocket using household items and scrap metal. Her father worries constantly about her safety but cannot stop her determination. During a test launch, the rocket accidentally activates and propels Fei Fei through a magical portal into the lunar realm. She lands in a surreal world filled with floating islands, glowing plants, and creatures made of light. Here she meets Gobi, a scruffy dog-like creature who serves as Chang'e's loyal companion but resents the goddess's selfish nature.

Chang'e rules over the moon with an iron fist disguised by beauty. She demands endless festivals and worship from her subjects, terrified of being forgotten. When Fei Fei arrives, the goddess sees her as a savior who can finally bring her the adoration she craves. Fei Fei initially enjoys the fantasy life, but she soon discovers the truth behind the palace walls. The moon dwellers are trapped in a cycle of performance, forced to celebrate a festival that never ends while Chang'e hides her deep loneliness and fear of irrelevance.

As Fei Fei explores the moon, she learns more about the history of Chang'e and the cost of her vanity. The goddess consumed an elixir of immortality centuries ago and has been hiding from the world ever since. Fei Fei realizes that the legend she admired was built on lies and isolation. Meanwhile, back on Earth, Chang searches frantically for his daughter while the scientific community questions her disappearance. Fei Fei must navigate the complex politics of the moon palace and decide whether to stay in the illusion or return home to face reality.

The tension builds as the Festival of the Moon approaches. Chang'e plans a grand ceremony to solidify her status forever, but Fei Fei knows this event will only deepen the suffering of the moon dwellers. She teams up with Gobi to uncover the truth about the goddess's past and confront the pain driving her actions. The journey forces Fei Fei to mature rapidly as she learns that belief is not just about seeing what you want to see, but understanding the pain behind the myths. She must find the courage to challenge the goddess and protect the people of the moon from eternal stagnation.[edit]