Film Review Summary: Wildwood
Laika’s new epic fantasy, Wildwood, showcases immense ambition and craftsmanship, making it one of the longest stop-motion films at over two hours. Set in the charming backdrop of Portland, Oregon, it intertwines an enchanted forest narrative with classic fantasy elements, including a vengeful sorceress, a cursed child, and talking animals. The film emphasizes nature’s beauty and the art of storytelling in a digital age, marked by a sign urging viewers to appreciate handmade art.
Directed by Travis Knight, Wildwood builds on Laika’s legacy since Coraline (2009) and realizes its potential with incredible detail—utilizing 230 puppets across 132 sets, 142,000 3D-printed faces, and meticulously crafted outfits. The contributions of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel further enhance its live-action feel.
The plot follows jaded teen Prue on a quest to save her baby brother from a grief-stricken witch threatening the wilderness. The film features thrilling chase sequences and a grand, Tolkien-esque battle, enriched by Dario Marianelli’s evocative score and an impressive vocal cast, including Carey Mulligan and Angela Bassett.
However, Wildwood struggles with familiar fantasy tropes and an overwhelming amount of lore, missing the ethereal quality of earlier Laika works like Kubo and the Two Strings (2016). Ultimately, its magic lies more in its stunning craftsmanship than in a groundbreaking story. Wildwood is currently showing in UK cinemas.
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