Directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings) and produced by LAIKA, Wildwood is an animated fantasy adventure that transports audiences into a strange and enchanting world filled with mythical creatures, dangerous villains and breathtaking landscapes. Based on Colin Meloy’s novel of the same name, the film represents another ambitious undertaking from a studio renowned for its imaginative storytelling and extraordinary stop-motion animation.
When her younger brother disappears into a mysterious wilderness, teenager Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) ventures into a hidden world filled with strange creatures, dangerous enemies and ancient secrets. Accompanied by an unlikely companion, she must navigate this mystical realm to bring him home.
I must preface this review by stating that I am a massive LAIKA fan, having watched every one of the studio’s films in cinemas. In my opinion, few animation studios have demonstrated such consistency in producing visually distinctive films that feel like works of art. From Coraline to Missing Link, LAIKA has repeatedly proven that animation can be every bit as ambitious, mature and emotionally resonant as any live-action blockbuster. Needless to say, Wildwood had some pretty enormous expectations to live up to.
Thankfully, Wildwood feels like an instant fantasy classic. This is an epic adventure bursting with imagination, featuring a richly realised world that feels as though it has existed long before the opening credits. There is an unmistakable sense that LAIKA’s history has been building towards a project of this scale, and after years of anticipation, the result feels worth the wait.
The animation is, quite simply, breathtaking. Every frame is packed with an almost unbelievable level of detail, from the intricate character designs to the atmospheric environments that bring this enchanted wilderness to life. LAIKA has always excelled at crafting tangible worlds through stop-motion, but Wildwood feels like another significant leap forward. This is the kind of film that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, if only to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship behind every scene.
However, this is not necessarily an adventure for the youngest members of the family. The world-building is incredibly dense, with layers of lore, competing factions and fantastical mythology that I thoroughly enjoyed exploring. Younger audiences may find some of this information overwhelming, particularly as the story becomes more complex. Equally, the film contains some genuinely frightening moments that make it feel considerably less kiddy than your average animated adventure. In the best possible way, it reminded me of Gremlins or Ghostbusters: films that children can absolutely love while simultaneously giving them a few nightmares afterwards.
While the emotional highs do not quite reach those of Coraline or ParaNorman, Wildwood is arguably LAIKA’s strongest film since Kubo and the Two Strings. The humour can be hit or miss, with some jokes falling flat, but there are enough genuine chuckles to provide welcome relief from the tension. More importantly, the film establishes a world with enormous potential for further exploration. Much like The Chronicles of Narnia, this feels like the beginning of a much larger fantasy universe that deserves to be revisited through future adventures.
Wildwood is an extraordinary achievement that showcases LAIKA at its most ambitious. Although its dense mythology and occasionally uneven humour prevent it from reaching the emotional heights of the studio’s very best work, its stunning animation, darker sensibilities and expansive fantasy world make it essential viewing for animation fans.
Score: 9/10