Why does a forgetful fish make us remember what matters? Finding Dory (2016), Pixar’s shimmering sequel to Finding Nemo, hooks you with that question, plunging into the ocean of memory and identity with a boldness that feels both brave and tender. Directed by Andrew Stanton, this isn’t just a follow-up but a soulful exploration of disability, family, and self-discovery, wrapped in a visual feast that still resonates in 2025’s nostalgia-hungry world.

Let’s start with Ellen DeGeneres’ voice performance as Dory, the blue tang with short-term memory loss. Her delivery is a masterclass in vulnerability and spunk, turning what could’ve been a gimmick into a heart-wrenching portrait of resilience. Every quaver in her voice as she mutters, “Just keep swimming,” carries the weight of someone fighting to define herself against her limitations. It’s a performance that doesn’t just steal scenes it anchors the film’s emotional core, especially for audiences today craving authentic representation of neurodiversity. Yet, the script occasionally leans too hard on her memory lapses for laughs, risking caricature in moments that could’ve dug deeper.

Visually, Finding Dory is a love letter to the ocean’s kaleidoscope. The cinematography, led by Jeremy Lasky, paints coral reefs and murky depths with a vibrancy that pops even on a small screen. A standout sequence in the touch tank, with its chaotic choreography of human hands and panicked fish, blends humor and horror in a way that mirrors Dory’s disorientation. But the film falters in pacing, particularly in the cluttered third act, where a truck-chase finale feels like Pixar pandering to blockbuster excess rather than trusting its quieter strengths.

The score by Thomas Newman is another gem, weaving wistful strings and playful motifs that echo Dory’s fractured memories. It’s subtle yet powerful, amplifying the film’s emotional stakes without overpowering them a reminder of why Pixar’s music often lingers as long as its stories. In 2025, with audiences craving heartfelt escapism amid a sea of reboots, Finding Dory stands out for its sincerity, speaking to anyone who’s ever felt lost in their own mind.

Flaws aside, this film’s courage to center a character like Dory flawed, forgetful, yet fiercely lovable makes it timeless. It’s a reminder that family isn’t just found in blood but in those who swim beside you, no matter how murky the waters. Watch it, and let Dory’s quest linger like a tide that won’t recede.