By Marta Vallejo, Staff Writer
“Wildwood” is the latest film from LAIKA Studios. Directed by Travis Knight, the movie was made entirely with stop-motion animation, a filmmaking technique in which physical objects are moved in tiny increments and photographed one frame at a time.
The film is based on Colin Meloy’s novel of the same name. Its production took roughly five to seven years, with active production beginning a little over five years before its release.
“Wildwood” follows Prue McKeel, voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, who watches in horror as a massive flock of crows abduct her infant brother Mac, voiced by Arthur Knight. Prue and her classmate Curtis, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, chase the birds into the “Impassable Wilderness,” a forbidden, enchanted forest.
There, they discover a magical world populated by talking animals, a city ruled by birds and a group of rogue bandits. Before long, Prue and Curtis find themselves caught in the middle of a brewing civil war.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its imaginative worldbuilding. The stop-motion animation brings the world to life with creative visuals and a distinctive style, making each new setting feel interesting to explore.
Peyton Elizabeth Lee voices main character, Prue McKeel in the latest stop-motion picture film “Wildwood.”
Rather than revealing everything at once, the film gradually introduces its magical elements, answering some questions while raising even more. This approach keeps the story engaging and encourages viewers to remain curious about what lies ahead.
The film’s characters are another major strength, particularly its two protagonists. Prue is immediately likable, with her love and
devotion to her younger brother serving as the driving force behind her journey. Her willingness to venture into a dangerous, unfamiliar world to rescue him makes her an especially compelling character.
Curtis, on the other hand, is initially difficult to warm up to, as he comes across as cowardly and annoying. However, he gradually becomes more likable and heroic as the story progresses.
One particularly interesting choice is the way the film shifts its focus between the two characters. When Prue eventually reaches a point where she can no longer continue, Curtis steps forward and takes on a more prominent role. His growth into a capable hero feels earned, making his eventual character arc all the more satisfying.
Another interesting aspect of the film is its approach to morality. The villain of the movie is given a tragic backstory that adds depth to their character and helps explain their motivations. However, the film never uses their past to excuse their cruelty, allowing them to remain a villain despite the sympathy their story creates.
Despite its fantastical setting, “Wildwood” is not afraid to explore darker subject matter. From its opening scene to the violence of the civil war, the film does not shy away from showing the consequences of death and conflict, being especially gruesome in certain scenes. Some of its most impactful moments come from the way different groups put aside their differences to fight for a common cause.
Ultimately, “Wildwood” delivers a memorable conclusion that brings its many storylines together in a satisfying way. With its imaginative world, compelling characters and willingness to explore darker themes, “Wildwood” proves to be an incredibly engaging fantasy adventure. It is a film that successfully balances spectacle with heart, making it well worth the watch.