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There is something truly magical about animation that feels as though every frame has been lovingly brought to life by hand, and Wildwood is a stunning reminder of just how powerful that artistry can be. Directed by Travis Knight, the latest feature from Laika takes audiences on an ambitious fantasy adventure filled with wonder, danger and unforgettable imagery. While its story draws on familiar fairytale elements, the film’s extraordinary craftsmanship and emotional heart make it a remarkable cinematic experience.
The story follows Prue McKeel (voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee), a young girl whose world is turned upside down when her baby brother, Mac, is abducted by a murder of crows. Determined to bring him home, Prue ventures into the mysterious forest beyond Portland, accompanied by her classmate Curtis (Jacob Tremblay). What begins as a desperate rescue mission soon becomes an extraordinary journey into a hidden realm populated by strange creatures, dangerous enemies and unexpected allies.
One of Wildwood’s greatest strengths is the sheer scale of its imagination. The enchanted forest feels like a world with its own history, rules and personalities, offering a seemingly endless stream of discoveries. From its eccentric inhabitants to its more sinister corners, there is a richness to the setting that makes exploring this strange new world just as rewarding as following Prue’s quest.
It’s the animation that truly elevates the film. Laika has built its reputation on pushing the boundaries of stop-motion filmmaking, and Wildwood represents another impressive achievement for the studio. The textures, character designs and intricately constructed environments give the film a tangible quality that is difficult to replicate through computer-generated animation alone. Every frame feels carefully considered, creating a visual experience that is both breathtaking and wonderfully tactile.
The film’s darker aesthetic also works in its favour. Rather than presenting a sanitised fantasy adventure, Wildwood embraces the unsettling qualities of its woodland setting. Its beauty is frequently accompanied by danger, allowing moments of wonder to coexist with genuine menace. There is a distinct sense that this is a world where the consequences of a character’s choices matter, giving the adventure a welcome degree of tension.
At the centre of the story is Prue’s determination to save her brother. Her journey provides the film with an emotional anchor, transforming the fantastical spectacle into something more personal. The themes of family, courage, grief and sacrifice give the narrative substance, while her developing relationship with Curtis adds another dimension to the adventure. Their contrasting personalities help create a compelling partnership as they confront circumstances far beyond anything they could have imagined.
The voice cast further strengthens the film, with Carey Mulligan bringing an appropriately unsettling presence to the formidable Alexandra, while Mahershala Ali and Angela Bassett contribute gravitas to the wider ensemble. Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay also provide an engaging centre for the story, ensuring that the characters remain relatable amid the increasingly elaborate fantasy surrounding them.
What makes Wildwood so rewarding is its understanding that spectacle means little without a meaningful emotional connection. Beneath the elaborate world-building and elaborate set pieces is a story about how far someone will go for the people they love. That simple idea gives the film its heart and helps it rise above the familiarity of its fairytale foundations.
Ultimately, Wildwood is an enchanting achievement for Laika, delivering a richly imagined adventure that celebrates the beauty of handcrafted animation. It is the kind of fantasy that invites audiences to lose themselves in another world, while reminding them of the extraordinary creativity required to bring that world into existence.
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