TIFF 2025: Space Cadet Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Space Cadet is a film directed by Kid Koala, an influential music producer who, on top of creating of the 2011 graphic novel that the film is based upon, composed its soundtrack. The novel was his way to process the death of his grandmother, who had been an influential figure in his life, and now, the graphic novel is getting the big screen treatment, recently holding its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The story is centered around the friendship between a little girl and a robot. As the girl one day blasts off into space and leaves the robot behind, the robot reflects about the childhood memories it shared with the girl and the impression they left in each other’s lives. The film is presented with no dialogue, in a similar vein to 2023’s Robot Dreams, a TIFF 2023 selection. Both films will undoubtedly be pitted against each other for similar storytelling structures and thematic elements, however, Space Cadet stands on its own as an entertaining and light animated film made for the whole family.

Meanwhile, the film features a lot of funny slapstick that is sure to keep younger audiences entertained throughout. On the technical side, it features a nice and polished animation style, employing a minimalistic design that makes it appealing to the eyes. Similarly, the music is very pleasant and airy, featuring nice soothing synths throughout. While the film is one that could easily lull someone to sleep, it isn’t necessarily a negative thing in this case. As a whole, it succeeds at creating a truly cozy environment that will capture audiences. A very sweet film, its emotional beats are strong. The film, despite not uttering a single word of dialogue, conveys a lot of emotion. It captures the passage of time, nostalgia, growing up and letting go in poignant fashion. The thematic materials here, while not innovative – are presented in such a lovely way the film easily could very well illicit tears from audiences.

Overall, while Space Cadet is not a film that did not got the love and appreciation it deserved at this year’s festival. While some of the other films present were perhaps larger in scope, sometimes films need to give audiences the chance for a breath and to relax, and this one does that perfectly.

still courtesy of TIFF

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Brett Schutt

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