A Purr-fect Tale of Redemption: 10 Lives Will Steal Your Heart
Are you looking for an animated family film that isn’t just the same old regurgitated narrative out of Hollywood? Then get ready to hit the cinema from January 30th for 10 Lives. It’s a funny and heartwarming animated feature out of the UK that will appeal to a wide range of ages.
10 Lives is a heartwarming animated tale with a clever and engaging screenplay by Christopher Jenkins, Karen Wengrod, and Ken Cinnamon, based on a story developed by Wengrod, Cinnamon, Ash Brannon, Ernesto Matamoros, and Leland Cox. The story follows Beckett, a pampered and selfish cat who has been blissfully ignorant of how fortunate his life truly is—until he carelessly loses his ninth and final life. Faced with the inevitability of the afterlife, Beckett desperately pleads for another chance, yearning for things to return to the way they were.
Initially, his request is denied, but in a surprising act of empathy, the ‘Gatekeeper’ grants him a fresh set of lives. However, there’s a twist: each new life comes with a catch. Beckett is reincarnated as a variety of different animals, and each life offers him a unique and transformative lesson about compassion, humility, and selflessness.
What unfolds is a poignant and often humorous journey of self-discovery, as Beckett evolves from a gloriously self-absorbed house cat into a self-sacrificing hero. The story’s core message—that finding the best version of yourself sometimes requires experiencing life from entirely new perspectives—is both touching and inspiring.
Directed by Christopher Jenkins (Surf's Up (2007), Hercules (1997), Home (2015)) the first thing that stands out about 10 Lives is the stunning animation. Jenkins and his team have created a visually striking world, with vibrant, beautifully detailed landscapes that draw viewers into Beckett’s adventure. The artistry is nothing short of breathtaking, and it adds an extra layer of magic to the story.
The narrative delivers a powerful message about becoming less selfish and more loving, appealing not just to children but to audiences of all ages. Alongside this, there’s an intriguing subplot that highlights the environmental significance of bees, corporate corruption, and the devastating impact of greed on the natural world. This thoughtful layer adds depth to what might otherwise have been a straightforward family film, encouraging viewers to reflect on how small actions can ripple outward to affect the planet.
“Many messages of hope come through this story of a cat who encounters multiple chances at living a ‘better’ life,” says Jenkins, “The message of this movie is quite simple really; ‘you only have one life, so live it well and love better.’
The voice acting is another standout feature. The cast includes a roster of beloved and familiar voices - Mo Gilligan, Simone Ashley, Sophie Okonedo, Zayn Malik, Dylan Llewellyn, Jeremy Swift, and Bill Nighy - who bring charm and personality to each character, making them memorable and endearing. Their performances help elevate the story’s emotional beats, from laugh-out-loud moments to the more tender and bittersweet scenes.
The script balances heartfelt moments with a generous dose of comedy, including plenty of clever wordplay and ‘dad jokes’ that will have families chuckling together. While there are a few sad moments—an inevitable staple of great children’s films—they’re handled with care and sensitivity, ensuring nothing feels too overwhelming or traumatic. (Let’s face it, everyone in my age group is still recovering from the emotional devastation of Bambi’s mother’s death!)
In an animation landscape often dominated by productions from the USA, it’s refreshing to see a film created from the UK’s perspective and including the gorgeous scenery of the Dorsett Coast. 10 Lives offers a distinct flavour and tone that sets it apart, making it a delightful addition to the animated film canon.
Ultimately, 10 Lives is an enjoyable family film that manages to entertain while imparting important life lessons. Its humour, heart, and environmental consciousness make it a movie worth watching—and perhaps even revisiting—whether you’re a child or simply young at heart.
10 Lives is in Cinemas Australia-wide from January 30, 2025