In a reimagining of George Orwell’s 1945 novel Animal Farm, director Andy Serkis and writer Nicholas Stoller attempt to adapt the allegorical tale for modern audiences, but their effort falls short. The film transforms Orwell’s critique of Stalinism into family-friendly entertainment, reminiscent of works like Chicken Run and Babe. Notable changes include a more populist antagonist, Napoleon, portrayed as a charismatic figure using humor to gain the support of the farm’s animals. This update offers a contemporary resonance with today’s autocrats, highlighted when a villain drives a Tesla, suggesting modern demagogues.
However, these modifications lead to a diluted interpretation of Orwell’s message. Unlike the original story, which critiques the pigs’ rise to power after humans are overthrown, the film introduces a billionaire technocrat, Frieda Pilkington, as an unnecessary added villain, detracting from the core themes of the text. This decision results in a disjointed narrative, filled with slapstick humor and gimmicky plot devices that undermine the gravitas of the source material.
While no adaptation has fully captured the haunting essence of Orwell’s ending, Serkis and Stoller’s attempt shifts the focus away from the profound commentary in favor of a superficial, kid-friendly narrative. Ultimately, the film struggles to balance its aspirations with the complexity of Orwell’s original vision, leaving audiences questioning which influences—Orwell or Disney—are truly at play.
