Movie Review: ‘Wildwood’

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Review by Adam Courtliff

Stop-motion animation is an art form that is always breathtaking, no matter what form it comes in, whether it’s puppetry or clay figures. It’s a painstaking process that often defies belief, but there’s always been one studio that comes to the forefront of people’s minds when discussing this particular medium, and that’s LAIKA Studios. LAIKA, for those who need a reminder, are the minds behind ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, and most famously Coraline. Seven years on from their last outing, the studio is back with their latest movie, Wildwood, which could quite easily be considered the best of the lot and will rightfully go down as a masterpiece.

Based on a novel by Colin Meloy, Wildwood follows Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), an inquisitive and outgoing teen who, against her parents’ wishes, takes her baby brother Mac (Arthur Knight) out for a day of adventure around the small town where they live while their parents are away. During their outing, they bump into fellow teen and awkward classmate Curtis (Jacob Tremblay), who cutely follows the pair around as he desperately tries to befriend Prue.

All seems to be going well until a murder of crows swoops down to kidnap Mac and carry him away into the impassable forest. But as the ivy and fog begin to part, Prue and Curtis are led into a magical world beyond anything they could have imagined. There, they face a race against time to rescue Mac, although they soon discover that this enchanting place is not quite what it seems. Not everyone they encounter is a friend, and some may even be foes as the pair embark on the adventure of a lifetime in a rescue mission filled with unimaginable dangers.

At the helm of the ambitious project that Wildwood sets out to be is director Travis Knight. He brings a wealth of experience from the stop-motion world, alongside the grand ideas developed through his work on Bumblebee and Masters of the Universe, and it shows. With that knowledge and expertise, he brings to life a world unlike anything the animation industry has ever created before, both in its sheer scope and remarkable ambition. It’s no wonder that the movie took 16 years to bring to fruition, as every painstaking element feels like it’s been planned down to the very last meticulous detail.

Undoubtedly, the otherworldly visuals are what make Wildwood stand out as a cinematic marvel. From the opening scene, it delivers a visual feast unlike any other, proving completely jaw-dropping from the outset. It creates an utterly immersive environment that beggars belief when you consider it has been crafted by human hands. In fact, it’s almost impossible to comprehend that what you’re witnessing isn’t computer-generated imagery, such is the astonishing level of realism on display.

At times, it verges on being overwhelming with just how extraordinary everything looks. Each of the characters is brought to life through delicate and intricate designs that allow them to convey emotions with an expressiveness rarely witnessed in this medium. And it all culminates in a breathtaking final act battle sequence that is a true miracle of human creativity unfolding before your very eyes. It’s a feat that, as you watch it unfold, makes you begin to understand the magnitude of what has been accomplished. Realistically, something of this magnitude may never be attempted again, given the scale, intensity, and immense artistic effort that undoubtedly went into bringing it all together.

It would’ve been extremely easy for Wildwood to focus solely on its phenomenal visuals as a sort of gimmick and leave the narrative as an afterthought. But despite all its technical prowess, the movie still takes the emotional aspect of the story and runs with it. There’s a deep exploration of some genuinely dark topics, ensuring audiences know that this is definitely not aimed solely at children. In fact, adults may actually be the primary audience. And through its examination of grief, cruelty, and especially revenge, it delivers a profound message that resonates brilliantly.

A large part of the success of Wildwood comes down to its two immensely likable and relatable protagonists in Prue and Curtis, each with their own individual character arcs that seamlessly intertwine. From the outset, the story seeks to establish characters that audiences can become emotionally invested in, and it very much succeeds in doing so. Both Prue and Curtis are bound to become firm favorites among plenty of younger viewers.

But where many movies of this ilk fall by the wayside is in their failure to create an antagonist that audiences love to hate. However, Wildwood yet again excels in this regard. In Alexandra (Carey Mulligan), it has created a truly terrifying villain, but one whose backstory provides an understandable glimpse into a mother who has turned evil because of the devastating loss and suffering she’s endured. In that regard, she’s a far more complex antagonist than many found in kids’ movies. She isn’t just another villain who wants to steal a throne or gain power. She’s simply a mother pining for the child she has lost and will do absolutely anything to bring him back.

Of course, for any animated movie to truly come to life, the voice cast has to bring its A game, and here they deliver that and then some. Carey Mulligan is arguably the standout, particularly given the layers of complexity her character has to offer, but equally, Lee and Tremblay shine in their leading roles. Tremblay especially brings a sense of vulnerability that ensures Curtis is someone you can’t help but want the best for. And with a star-studded ensemble boasting names like Awkwafina, Mahershala Ali, Jake Johnson, and Charlie Day, just to name a few, it would’ve been easy for some to phone it in and hide in plain sight. But that was never a danger, with every performer giving their all to ensure that even those in smaller roles leave a lasting impression.

Wildwood is also wonderfully powered along by a spectacular score composed by Dario Marianelli. It perfectly complements the movie, particularly during the fast-paced, tension-filled sequences that are so carefully constructed. But arguably what’s equally as impressive and important is Marianelli’s ability to dial the music down during the quieter moments, allowing audiences to get lost in the magic of this spellbinding world without ever being overwhelmed by an intrusive soundtrack.

It all adds up to Wildwood being not just a visual masterpiece, but a true phenomenon with the potential to become an instant classic. It combines scarcely believable technical achievements with a beautifully heartfelt narrative to create an experience that genuinely feels like no other. Movies of this caliber don’t come around very often, so when they do, it’s important that we treasure them. It’s an exceptional accomplishment that Travis Knight and the rest of the LAIKA team should be immensely proud of. A true one of a kind.