I’m going to make a statement here; Wildwood, is the most visually stunning stop motion film, I have ever seen. I have never been so distracted when watching a film by the artistry on display, that I would find myself not paying attention to the actual scene itself. Laika, has on a technical level, outdone everything which has come before it.
Wildwood is an embarrassment of riches, not only is it beautiful, it boasts a really engaging fantasy story (if slightly undercooked in a couple of points), solid direction from Travis Knight, a fully committed cast of Hollywood A-listers, accompanied by a score which hits all the right emotions relevant to the scene it soaring through. This is dark teenage fantasy of the highest calibre.
I’ve got to come back to the animation. I hope this film sells better than early previews have suggested, because Laika really are top of their game here and it would be a great shame if anything were to happen to this studio. I’ve never seen facial animation on Claymation characters, so unbelievable smooth. The animators aren’t phoning in on the expression front either. Incredible care and time have been taken to ensure characters express themselves with their faces and body language. It’s so smooth, it almost looks as if it has been traditionally CGI animated, and I mean that as an utmost compliment.
But the look of the film is only part of the picture, and thankfully the incredible cast of voice actors are fully game for this ride. Peyton Elizabeth Lee and Jacob Tremblay, are hugely affective as our pair of leads, but I have to talk about Carey Mulligan as an against type villainess. Mulligan is one of my favourite actors working, and usually if she is in a film, the film is usually pretty ace. No exception here. She voices Alexandra Svik, the grief-stricken ruler of the forest and leader of the army of Coyotes. Mulligan brings calm and control to the character, keeping her in check for most of the duration of the film, but ensuring we feel Alexandra, is right on the edge of a path (and complete breakdown) she can’t return from. She owns this role. But seriously, google the cast, its pretty wicked.
On the story front, I felt connected to it where it counts. It has shades of Avatar in its ending (less environmental cautionaries, and more warring faction uniting to prevent a common enemy from getting to a sacred land) and The Chronicle of Narnia in its world building (it does enough to differentiate). I had a couple of issues, such as the aforementioned warring faction, where we could have done with a little more world building to understand why they were warring, as it made the collaboration feel a little unearned towards the end. But the final battle is so stunning, you pretty much forget about this as soon as the charge begins.
This really is a truly remarkable film, mainly due to the exceptional commitment to its craft. As an adult it was stunning, but I think if this film had come out when I was 7-10 years old, I would have this down as a firm forever favourite, and I may still! I feel a rewatch will be needed to tell. Go and see it, now, in the cinema and be taken away to a time where society didn’t seem to actively shun movies like this.
Harry - 9/10
What Harry lacks in writing credentials, he makes up for in passion for the subject at hand. The MultiMediaVerse venture isn’t something that sustains us with life’s needs and serves more as a passion project (currently) for us, so if our various contents feel a little rough and ready, that’s because they are! Any feedback is always welcome and we hope you enjoy reading our articles.
