Jurnal Celtic
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025): December 2025

Unmasking Mei: A Lacanian psychoanalytic study of identity formation in Turning Red movie

Ersa Dewanti (English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Literature, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia)
Rusfandi Rusfandi (English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Literature, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia)
Nara Sari (English Literature Study Program, Faculty of Language and Literature, Universitas PGRI Kanjuruhan Malang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study applies Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalysis theory toanalyze the identity formation of Mei, the main character in themovie Turning Red. Using a qualitative method with contentanalysis, it explores Mei's identity development throughout thefilm. The results show that Lacan’s theories of the Imaginary,the Symbolic, and the Real significantly shape the maincharacter's identity. Mei’s transformation into a red panda iscrucial in this process. The Imaginary aspect drives her toembody the ideal princess, highlighting the influence ofparental expectations and social norms on her self-image. TheSymbolic dimension reveals her internal conflicts and pressuresfrom family rules related to cultural traditions, while the Realreflects her rejection of the tradition of sealing the red panda.This analysis demonstrates that Mei’s identity is shaped bysocietal pressures, social norms, and family traditions. Thestudy contributes to the discourse on animated films andpsychoanalysis by showing how teenage girls navigate internalpsychological conflicts influenced by idealized images.Ultimately, it emphasizes the exploration of identity formationwithin a cultural context, showcasing psychoanalysis as a toolfor understanding individual identity development.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

celtic

Publisher

Subject

Description

CELTIC is published twice a year, in June and December. This journal welcomes articles in the form of research reports or library research on Literature (English), Linguistics (English, Indonesian), Culture (English, Indonesia) and Teaching (English, ...