Rose (played by Simone Ashley) is driving recklessly while multitasking, completely focused on an important project relating to her passion for bees. When she rings Professor Craven (played by Bill Nighy) to discuss her current testing and progress, a sweet, tiny, and adorable kitten who has been abandoned by his previous owners and left to roam the streets alone ends up in her car’s path. In a tense moment, the little kitten nearly has a fatal accident, and Rose’s car comes close to hitting him head-on. In a desperate attempt to survive, the kitten pretends to be dead, hoping that Rose will take him in. Rose panics and takes the kitten to a nearby animal shelter, where it’s confirmed that the kitten is perfectly healthy. Since the kitten has no home, the staff suggests that Rose could adopt him. Initially, she respectfully declines, but she soon has a change of heart. She adopts the kitten and names him Beckett, which means “beehive” in Old English.
As time passes, Beckett (Mo Gilligan) has fully grown up and is living his dream as a lazy, fat cat. He cherishes the quality time spent with Rose, who continues to care for him. Meanwhile, Rose is still focused on her bee research and is working on a video presentation that could change the world forever. Her ex-boyfriend, Larry (Dylan Llewellyn), is joining her for the presentation, and Beckett is not impressed. Beckett wishes that he had Rose all to himself without Larry’s presence. In fact, Beckett dislikes Larry so much that he begins to sabotage him with unkind actions. However, one harsh act leads to an accident that kills Beckett instantly.
Fortunately, this isn’t the end for Beckett. He soon learns that he has merely exhausted his ninth life. However, he is given a second chance and enters a program called ‘Impossible Causes’. In this program, Beckett can return to Earth and regain his nine lives, but there’s a catch: instead of being a cat, he will be reincarnated into a different animal. Beckett is determined to find his way back to Rose throughout his reincarnation. Naturally, Beckett has an important, challenging life lesson to learn. Will Beckett learn this vital lesson before he runs out of his new nine lives?
10 Lives was co-written and directed by Christopher Jenkins, who previously wrote and directed the animated feature film Duck Duck Goose, released in 2018. This project showcases his expertise in animation and family films, which he previously demonstrated in his writing contribution for Surf’s Up, released in 2007. What is his latest animated movie like, though? The answer is that it is a mixed bag.

First, the positives: Mo Gilligan as Beckett is excellent. I love the energy he brings with his vocals and the fast-paced delivery of his lines. He’s always quick to speak and respond, which makes his character witty, funny, and silly as he shouts out various puns, demands, and complaints. Bill Nighy, who voices the film’s villain, is a fantastic fit for the role. The animation in the movie is quite pleasing; it’s colourful, and both the creatures and human characters look great. The film also delivers a touching core message, reminding audiences that while life can be challenging, it is also full of opportunities. This theme is great to see, as it suits audiences of all ages. Additionally, watching Beckett lose his life and transform into a different animal keeps the film engaging for the most part.

However, while watching Beckett transform into various animals through multiple reincarnations before having an accident or dying is an exciting concept at first, after about an hour, the novelty began to wear off, and I started wondering when the film’s credits would roll. The film features many animated clichés, particularly with the villain employing two dim-witted, muscle-bound henchmen for various tasks. The gags are hit-or-miss, but younger audiences might giggle at the jokes about bottoms or when Beckett urinates in a plant during his first meeting with Rose.
Overall, as a parent and lover of animated feature films, I found 10 Lives to be a mixed bag. The movie has a great concept and delivers strong positive messages suitable for audiences of all ages. Mo Gilligan’s leading voice performance is stellar and filled with evident energy. The animation is vibrant and colourful, and the various animals that Beckett transforms into are fascinating. However, while the film starts strong with its unique plot and ideas, it becomes exhausting and loses some of its fun before reaching the climax. Additionally, there are many familiar elements and animated clichés that have been used numerous times in other films.
10 Lives (2024) is available in Australian Cinemas from January 30th!
FILM SCORE: 5.3/10


Published: 26th Janruary 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden

CONNECT WITH PETER WALKDEN:

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@walkdenentertainment / @walkdenpublicity

FOLLOW US ON LETTERBOXD:
@Peter_Walkden



0 Comments