Dalia and the Red Book (2024) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
As of April 2025, Dalia and the Red Book (Original title: Dalia y el libro rojo), a recent addition to the Latin American animation renaissance, is not yet available to stream in the United States. However, viewers can keep an eye on its availability via JustWatch, a trusted aggregator for real-time streaming updates.
This film, directed and written by David Bisbano, introduces a unique take on the fantasy genre by blending metafiction with heartfelt storytelling. But how well does it work? Let’s dive in.
An Intimate Journey Through Fiction: Plot Summary
At its core, Dalia and the Red Book is a layered coming-of-age tale. Dalia, voiced by Agustina Cirulnik, inherits an unfinished novel from her recently deceased father, a famed writer. Her task? To complete the story by living it — quite literally. As Dalia enters the narrative, she meets characters within the book who all desperately fight for the role of protagonist.
This premise is both imaginative and emotionally resonant. It touches on grief, legacy, creativity, and the bittersweet tension between finishing a loved one’s story and writing your own.
Visual Craft: A Blend of Textures and Techniques
One of the most polarizing elements of Dalia and the Red Book is its mixed animation technique, combining CGI characters with miniature real-world sets. This stylistic approach offers a tactile, almost handcrafted aesthetic that stands apart from polished Hollywood animations. Some viewers celebrated it for its inventiveness, while others found the visual dissonance distracting, especially as character movements often appeared stiff and robotic.
Yet, the film never tries to be Disney — and that’s part of its charm.
A Creative Vision with Uneven Execution
Critically, Dalia and the Red Book received mixed reactions. On one side, there are viewers who “loved the animation, dialogue, and unique approach,” praising it as a refreshing alternative to the formulaic family film.
On the flip side, some pointed out the predictable script, clunky pacing, and lack of clarity in the world-building inside the book. Characters like the Goat (a symbolic stand-in for her father) and the Librarian (voiced with villainous flair) were either deeply symbolic or jarringly flat, depending on your lens.
A Film for Kids or Adults? The Audience Debate
While the film is clearly aimed at younger viewers, its heavy focus on themes like loss, artistic responsibility, and inner growth resonates more with adult audiences — particularly writers, creatives, and parents.
Unfortunately, the script often over-explains, as though it doesn’t trust the intelligence of its young audience. This tendency undermines the layered storytelling and has led to criticism that the film “talks down” to children, rather than uplifting them with nuance.
Where to Watch Dalia and the Red Book Online
As of the time of writing, here’s a breakdown of the film’s streaming status:
| Region | Streaming Availability | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | ✅ Available | Disney+ |
| United States | ❌ Not yet available | – |
Keep checking JustWatch US for updates, as it’s the most reliable source for streaming availability.
Streaming Predictions for the U.S. Market
Given its current presence on Disney+ in Latin America, we can reasonably anticipate that Dalia and the Red Book will become available on Disney+ U.S. by late 2025, especially if the film receives any international award nominations or critical acclaim.
Alternatively, HBO Max or Amazon Prime Video could pick it up for rental or purchase, as both platforms have previously hosted Latin American animated films.
Dalia and the Red Book: A Deep Dive Into Themes
Legacy and Grief: At its heart, the movie is about navigating the emotional remnants of a loved one. Dalia’s journey is a metaphor for completing unfinished business, both in art and in life.
Metafictional Commentary: The film is unapologetically self-aware, with characters that frequently break the fourth wall or question their own narrative function. It’s a clever nod to the chaos of writing itself.
Creativity as Identity: Dalia doesn’t just want to finish the book — she wants to understand herself through the creative process. It’s a tribute to how art shapes us as much as we shape it.
Who Should Watch This Film?
If you’re a fan of:
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Imaginative animated films like Coraline or The Little Prince
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Fantasy stories about stories, à la Inkheart or The Pagemaster
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Latin American cinema and its unique cultural perspectives
…then Dalia and the Red Book might be worth your time — despite its flaws.
What the Audience Is Saying
Let’s balance out our review with a snapshot of real audience reactions:
Positive Takeaways:
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“A surprising and touching animated gem.”
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“Visually creative with a beautiful message about creativity and loss.”
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“It’s not Disney, and that’s what makes it great.”
Critical Feedback:
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“Predictable script and wooden animation.”
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“Too much exposition, not enough showing.”
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“Feels like a missed opportunity — potential was there, execution wasn’t.”
FAQs
Is Dalia and the Red Book available on Disney+ in the U.S.?
Not yet. As of April 2025, it is only streaming in Argentina on Disney+. Check JustWatch for updates.
Can I rent or buy the movie online in the U.S.?
Currently, there are no rental or purchase options available for U.S. viewers. This may change in the coming months.
Is the film suitable for children?
Yes, but its themes may resonate more with older children or adults. Some younger viewers might find the plot a bit complex.
What makes this movie different from other animated films?
Its hybrid animation style and metafictional storyline set it apart from typical Hollywood animations.
Does the film explore real-world locations?
Yes, the story is visually inspired by places like San Telmo, a well-known area in Buenos Aires, giving the setting a distinctly Argentine flair.
Where was Dalia and the Red Book made?
It’s a Latin American co-production involving Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.
Final Verdict: A Bold Yet Flawed Vision
Dalia and the Red Book is an ambitious and visually striking animated film that dares to blend genres and animation styles. Though it stumbles in execution, particularly in dialogue and pacing, its heart is in the right place. For viewers who value originality over perfection, this might be a hidden gem worth waiting for.
Curious to watch Dalia and the Red Book as soon as it hits U.S. platforms?
👉 Bookmark and check JustWatch U.S. regularly for updates!
