Key information
Director Travis Knight and the team at Laika are set to release their latest stop-motion feature, Wildwood, in theaters on October 23. Based on the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, the film follows 13-year-old Prue McKeel and her classmate Curtis as they journey into a magical forest to rescue Prue’s kidnapped brother.
The film is noted for its impressive scope, holding the record for the longest stop-motion animated movie at 131 minutes. Laika’s artistry is described as jaw-dropping, with meticulous detail in both the rendering of Portland and the mystical forest domains. The production utilizes a blend of folk and modern orchestral scores to enhance its immersive, high-stakes fantasy world.
IGN notes that while the world-building is excellent, the character development for Prue feels somewhat thin, leaving her less memorable than the setting. Additionally, the film’s pacing occasionally drags during subplots involving Curtis. Despite these critiques, the supporting voice cast—including Mahershala Ali and Carey Mulligan—is praised for adding significant personality to the narrative.
Wildwood earns its PG-13 rating by featuring surprisingly dark themes and frequent consequences, including character deaths. While it draws on familiar portal fantasy archetypes, Knight’s confident direction and the film’s gothic visual contrasts ensure it remains a distinct and evocative experience for audiences.
