Barry Jenkins’ Mufasa: The Lion King is a visually striking return to the Pride Lands, offering audiences a tender but calculated glimpse into the past of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. As a prequel to The Lion King, the film is rich in lore, packed with stunning photoreal animation, and anchored by a warm narrative voice. But despite all its elegance and attention to detail, it struggles to break free from the long shadow of its predecessor.

Framed as a story told by Rafiki to young Kiara (Simba and Nala’s daughter), the film retraces the early days of Mufasa, an orphaned cub swept away by a flood and saved by the young prince Taka, who will one day become Scar. Raised together as brothers, their bond is tested as destiny begins to carve different paths for them. Along the way, they encounter familiar faces, Sarabi, Zazu, and Rafiki, along with a new antagonist in Kiros, a fierce white lion set on domination.

There’s a lot to admire here. Jenkins brings a level of emotional sincerity to the story that resonates, especially in the more reflective moments between characters. Mufasa’s journey is one of courage, belonging, and self-discovery, classic Disney territory, but told with a touch more emotional nuance. The voice cast does a commendable job of breathing life into the characters, with Aaron Pierre’s performance as Mufasa offering both vulnerability and quiet strength.

The animation is, without question, exquisite. Every blade of grass, every twitch of a lion’s ear, every gust of dust across the savannah looks meticulously rendered. But the hyper-realism that dazzles the eye also creates a strange emotional distance. The lions look and move like actual animals, which makes the more theatrical elements, especially the musical numbers, feel oddly out of place. There’s an uncanny tension between the visual realism and the narrative’s need for expressive emotion.

Musically, the film tries to introduce fresh material with new songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, but they don’t quite leave the imprint you’d hope for. While tuneful, they lack the depth and emotional staying power of the original soundtrack. You find yourself missing the soul-stirring magic of Elton John’s compositions, which once helped define the emotional pulse of The Lion King.

Where Mufasa falters most is in its structure. There’s a strong sense that each story beat is ticking off a box. Here’s how Scar got his name, here’s the origin of Rafiki’s staff, and here’s the symbolic rise of Pride Rock. These moments, while interesting, feel overly engineered. Rather than letting the story unfold naturally, the film often bends backwards to explain things we didn’t necessarily need to know.

Still, there’s something undeniably comforting about returning to this world. The sibling dynamics, the life lessons, and the recurring themes of leadership and sacrifice all carry emotional weight, especially for those who grew up with the original. But in trying so hard to recapture and expand the magic, Mufasa forgets that what made the original sing wasn’t just its majesty, but its soul.

This film is a loving tribute, beautifully made, but it never fully roars.

Rating – 3.5/5