The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms has built a real following in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the US on Disney Plus among viewers who want their sci-fi to think as hard as it looks. The length is exactly right for the story it is telling — nothing rushed, nothing dragged out. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Mackenzie Foy — the performance elevates material that could easily tip into self-seriousness. Available now on Disney Plus — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is worth clearing space for. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms treats its concept seriously enough to follow it all the way through. When Clara’s mother leaves her a mysterious gift, she embarks on a journey to four secret realms—where she discovers her greatest strength could change the world. Mackenzie Foy and Jayden Fowora-Knight lead a cast that makes the ambitious moments land. It was released in 2018. The rules of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms's world are consistent enough that the big swings never feel like cheating. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Viewers burned by ambitious sci-fi that could not sustain its premise should give The Nutcracker and the Four Realms a chance. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Mackenzie Foy anchors it with a performance that makes the more abstract moments feel personal. If you have been burned by ambitious sci-fi before, this is the exception.