‘Plankton: The Movie’ Netflix Review - SpongeBob SquarePants Will Love This!

For anyone even vaguely familiar with SpongeBob SquarePants- it's easy to imagine the chaos that Sheldon J. Plankton (voiced by Mr. Lawrence) stirs up in his very own feature film. The movie kicks off with Plankton once again scheming to swipe the Krabby Patty Secret Formula from his longtime nemesis, Eugene Krabs (Clancy Brown). However, what starts as another routine attempt takes an unexpected turn when Plankton’s ever-patient and sarcastic wife, Karen (Jill Talley), suggests a different approach—creating their own original food empire instead of endlessly failing to steal someone else’s recipe. Plankton, true to his stubborn nature, dismisses the idea outright. But this time, Karen isn’t letting it slide. Tired of being ignored, she takes drastic action, deciding to unleash destruction on Bikini Bottom herself. Now, in a twist of fate, Plankton finds himself in an unlikely alliance with SpongeBob SquarePants, not to stop Karen, but to save the world—so he can conquer it himself.

At its core, Plankton: The Movie is a deep dive into the relationship between Plankton and Karen, a fan-favorite dynamic that has long added a comedic yet oddly wholesome touch to the series. The film explores the origins of their partnership, revealing how this peculiar duo came to be. Surprisingly, their backstory carries a genuine emotional weight, making their dysfunctional romance one of the highlights of the film. Longtime fans might spot a few inconsistencies with established lore, particularly regarding Plankton’s history with Mr. Krabs, but younger audiences—the film’s primary target—are unlikely to be bothered by these minor details.

While Plankton is traditionally the mischievous antagonist of SpongeBob SquarePants, the film cleverly repositions him as a complex anti-hero. He still harbors grand ambitions of world domination, but his reluctant shift toward heroism adds a refreshing layer to his character. The movie finds the perfect balance, keeping Plankton's villainous charm intact while making him just likable enough to root for. His characterization remains authentic, thanks in large part to Mr. Lawrence, who not only voices Plankton but also co-wrote the screenplay. His signature blend of manic energy and dry wit ensures that the character feels just as iconic as ever.

One of the most pleasant surprises of the film is how much screen time Karen gets. Typically relegated to a supporting role, Karen steps into the spotlight here, proving that she’s far more than just Plankton’s sidekick. Jill Talley delivers a standout performance, imbuing Karen with sass, intelligence, and a formidable presence that makes her a formidable force in the story. The chemistry between Lawrence and Talley is effortless, making their back-and-forth exchanges some of the film’s best moments.

Visually, Plankton: The Movie maintains the vibrant, zany animation style that has defined SpongeBob SquarePants for decades. The humor remains as absurd and fast-paced as ever, filled with the kind of slapstick gags and clever wordplay that have made the franchise a cultural phenomenon. Simultaneously, the film successfully injects a level of sincerity and character growth that gives it a unique identity beyond just another extended episode.

In the end, Plankton: The Movie is a hilarious and unexpectedly heartfelt adventure that does justice to one of SpongeBob SquarePants’ most iconic characters. It delivers everything fans could hope for—plenty of laughs, a touch of nostalgia, and a fresh perspective on a beloved villain-turned-reluctant-hero. Whether you're a lifelong fan or just dipping your toes into Bikini Bottom, this film is well worth the watch.

Final Score- [6.5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times