By LANCE CLEMENTS/ Marketing Editor Assistant
In an era when computer-generated animation continues to dominate movie theaters, LAIKA returns with “Wildwood,” a dark fantasy adventure that celebrates the artistry behind handcrafted filmmaking.
Directed by Travis Knight, the film follows Prue McKeel, a Portland teenager whose journey into an enchanted forest begins after her infant brother is abducted by a murder of crows. Accompanied by her classmate Curtis, Prue encounters a world filled with talking animals, mysterious communities, and dangerous conflicts.
While its storytelling occasionally feels rushed, “Wildwood” delivers an imaginative cinematic experience that makes its craftsmanship difficult to overlook.
ONE FRAME AT A TIME
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its visual presentation. LAIKA has built a reputation through films such as “Coraline” and “Kubo and the Two Strings.” “Wildwood” continues that tradition with an expansive world that feels both fantastical and tangible.
The environments are filled with intricate details, from the individual leaves covering the forest to the textures and designs of the characters’ clothing. Each community has its distinctive appearance, making the world feel populated by individuals rather than interchangeable characters.
The contrast between the factions is particularly intriguing. While the antagonist’s forces, such as the coyotes and ravens, are characterized by their uniform appearances and coordinated movements, the bandits and mystics who support the protagonist display considerably more individuality. Their clothing, weapons, and physical appearances reflect their differences.
This visual contrast adds a layer, suggesting a distinction between conformity and individuality without explicitly explaining it.
The animation is especially impressive during the battle sequences. What begins as an organized confrontation gradually becomes a chaotic struggle, with tightly framed shots placing viewers close to the action. The lighting also changes throughout the sequence, moving from relatively natural colors to darker red tones as the violence intensifies.
Flaming projectiles launched from trebuchets and the expressions of frightened characters contribute to an atmosphere that feels surprisingly intense for an animated film. The violence is occasionally gruesome, but it does not rely on excessive gore to communicate the consequences of conflict.
MORE THAN A FANTASY ADVENTURE
Beyond its visual achievements, Wildwood explores several themes that give its fantasy adventure a more meaningful foundation. Grief, loss, and the difficulty of letting go stand out, influencing the decisions of multiple characters
The film’s exploration of letting go also extends beyond individual characters. The communities, despite their disagreements and competing interests, eventually recognize the importance of working together. Their relationships suggest that overcoming personal differences can be just as important as confronting an external threat.
The film also uses subtle visual details to reinforce its themes.
Changes in the appearance of plants throughout the film also hint at the characters’ growing connection to the natural world.
Despite many strengths, “Wildwood” is not without shortcomings. Its opening sequence feels somewhat abrupt, particularly as it transitions from a bedtime story into the events that establish the main adventure. The introduction could have benefited from additional time to establish its atmosphere and provide a smoother transition into the story.
Certain character developments also feel abrupt, leaving little time for audiences to fully process their emotional significance.
With a run time of 132 minutes, the film has an ambitious amount of material to explore, and occasionally struggles to keep pace with the world it has created.
THE ART BEHIND ANIMATION
One particularly memorable aspect comes near the end. We are briefly given a glimpse into the physical work behind the animation. The sequence reveals the painstaking process of positioning puppets and capturing their movements frame by frame before transitioning into the finished scene.
It serves as a reminder that the characters and environments were carefully brought to life through physical artistry rather than relying solely on computer-generated imagery.
Although the production incorporates digital techniques, its commitment to practical stop-motion animation is refreshing in an industry increasingly shaped by efficiency and automation.
“Wildwood” will appeal to audiences who appreciate animation as an art form, especially fans of LAIKA’s previous films. Its darker fantasy elements, intense action, and PG-13 rating distinguish it from animated adventures primarily aimed at younger children.
The film may occasionally rush through parts of its story, but the imaginative world and remarkable visual craftsmanship make it a rewarding experience. By showcasing the patience and precision of stop-motion animation, “Wildwood” reminds us that the artistry of filmmaking lies not only in what appears on screen, but also in the work required to bring it to life.
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