When you think of films about people switching bodies, your mind probably goes straight to Freaky Friday or 13 Going on 30. It’s a concept we’ve seen many times before but Swapped manages to make it feel fresh in its own way.
Swapped is brilliant in its own right, marking Michael B. Jordan’s first animated feature since his Oscar win. Directed by Nathan Greno his first feature effort since 2010 Tangled it really feels like he’s come back and knocked it out of the park again.
The film introduces us to small woodland creatures called “Pookoos,” which look like tiny sea otters, and larger birds known as “Javans,” resembling a mix between an owl and a parrot. It’s a creative and colourful world that immediately stands out.
Ollie (Michael B Jordan) is the main character, a very curious young Pookoo who loves exploring the Valley. He’s so adventurous that he even builds a tiny snorkel to check out life underwater. However, his curiosity nearly gets him eaten by a big fish, and when he returns home, his frustrated parents (Cedric the Entertainer and Justina Machado) tell him off. They warn him never to leave the island, repeating their rule: “Hide today, live tomorrow.”
Ollie’s grandmother (Tata Vega) also plays an important role, sharing a cautionary story about the “Fire Wolf,” which becomes relevant later on.
One day, Ollie meets three Javan sisters who speak with British accents. One of them, Ivy (Juno Temple), already knows Ollie because he once showed her how to crack open seeds. After falling into a strange glowing pod, Ollie and Ivy accidentally switch bodies.
Even though they don’t get along, they’re forced to work together to survive. Along the way, they team up with Boogle (Tracy Morgan), a friendly fish.
I have to say, Boogle really reminded me of Dory at the start. He ended up being by far one of my favourite characters. Tracy Morgan absolutely steals the show he’s hilarious, full of energy, and brings so much personality to the role. I’d honestly love to see him do more voice acting in the future.
I also really liked the chemistry between Ollie (Michael B. Jordan) and Ivy (Juno Temple). Their performances bounce off each other naturally, and it genuinely feels like they could have been recording in the booth together.
I know this is a kids’ film, but it definitely works for adults too. The story handles its themes in a light and entertaining way, helped by fast pacing, plenty of humour, and some genuinely surprising twists including one big moment I didn’t see coming.
Overall, Swapped is a fun, heartfelt, and creative film that stands out in a familiar genre. With strong voice performances, plenty of laughs, and a lot of charm, it’s one that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Definitely worth a watch.