Director Guillermo del Toro, known for his discerning eye and influential voice in cinema, has once again used his platform to champion a film, this time showering accolades on Brad Bird's Ray Gunn. After an early theatrical screening, del Toro took to social media to declare the animated sci-fi noir a "marvel to behold and a great ride to experience," further noting it's a "100% blast in a theatrical environment."

The film, which features Scarlett Johansson as pop star Venus Nova and Sam Rockwell as private eye Raymond Gunn, plunges viewers into the retro-futuristic city of Metropia. Here, Johansson's character becomes entangled in a murder mystery, prompting Raymond Gunn to investigate. Director Brad Bird himself has previously cited Blade Runner as a key influence, a comparison echoed by del Toro, who also drew parallels to the cinematography of Chinatown and the visual style of Moebius's urban landscapes.

Del Toro's review, shared via X and highlighted by ScreenRant, lauded nearly every aspect of Ray Gunn. He commended Bird's directorial prowess, particularly his mastery of staging both action and nuanced character moments. The performances of Rockwell and Johansson also earned high marks, with del Toro specifically praising Johansson's "remarkable" singing voice. The film's technical achievements were not overlooked, as he celebrated Michael Giacchino's score and Ben Burtt's sound design, calling the latter "an absolute blast." He also singled out Tom Waits' delicate and nuanced work as the character Eyera.

Remarkably, Ray Gunn has been a passion project for Bird and co-writer Matthew Robbins for decades, with its origins stretching back to the 1990s. Despite its long gestation, del Toro believes their faith in the project was well-placed, describing the film as a product of a "cinephile, the eye of a master and the heart of a good human being." This sentiment underscores the film's tender core, which del Toro highlighted as a signature of Bird's work.

While Ray Gunn is a Netflix production, it will first receive a limited theatrical release in select theaters and 70mm screens starting December 4, before its global streaming debut on December 18. Del Toro strongly advocates for the theatrical experience, particularly in 70mm, emphasizing its design for collective viewing. This push from such a respected figure could significantly boost the film's visibility and encourage audiences to seek out a big-screen viewing if possible, echoing his past advocacy for other acclaimed projects like Apple TV's Widow's Bay.

The ensemble cast also includes Alan Tudyk, Matt Berry, Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Rodriguez, and Patton Oswalt, further enriching the vibrant world of Metropia.