‘Wildwood’ Review: A Visually Stunning Fantasy Adventure That’s A Little Lost In Its Own Woods

There is something rather wonderful about getting lost in a forest full of talking animals, strange creatures and secrets waiting to be discovered. That is the promise of “Wildwood”, LAIKA's latest animated adventure. The American animation studio, best known for films such as “Coraline”, “ParaNorman” and “Kubo and the Two Strings”, has built a reputation for its painstaking stop-motion animation and wonderfully offbeat storytelling. With “Wildwood”, it takes on an ambitious fantasy adventure that is as visually rich as it is occasionally overstuffed.

The story follows Prue McKeel (voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee), a teenager whose baby brother Mac is abducted by a flock of crows. Determined to bring him home, she ventures into the mysterious Impassable Wilderness, accompanied by her classmate Curtis (Jacob Tremblay). What awaits them is an entire hidden world of talking animals, bandits and warring factions. Their search eventually leads them to Alexandra (Carey Mulligan), a powerful and sinister figure whose plans have far greater consequences than the children could have imagined.

The film's biggest strength is, without question, its animation. LAIKA has always been particularly good at making its worlds feel tangible, and Wildwood is no exception. The dense forests, sprawling landscapes and intricate character designs are a treat to look at. There is an extraordinary amount of detail in every frame, from the smallest movements to the elaborate environments. The forest feels alive, sometimes inviting and sometimes downright unsettling. The action sequences are equally impressive, with the film making full use of the possibilities of stop-motion animation. You can see the amount of work that has gone into putting this world together, and it is difficult not to admire it.

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But while the visuals rarely disappoint, the storytelling doesn't always keep up. There is a lot happening in Wildwood, with new characters, different factions and layers of mythology being introduced as Prue and Curtis make their way through the forest. Some of these ideas are genuinely interesting, but the film doesn't always give them enough time to settle. Just when you begin to get invested in one development, another is thrown into the mix. The result is a narrative that occasionally feels crowded and a little difficult to keep up with. At over two hours, it could also have done with some trimming, particularly in the second half.

The voice cast, thankfully, makes the journey considerably more enjoyable. Lee brings an appealing mix of determination and vulnerability to Prue, while Tremblay gives Curtis an endearing awkwardness. Mulligan is particularly effective as Alexandra, finding the character's vulnerability without taking away from her menace. Mahershala Ali brings warmth and authority to Brendan, while Angela Bassett lends considerable presence to the General. Awkwafina's sharp-tongued Septima provides some welcome comic relief. Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant add to the film's eccentric ensemble. The performances feel well integrated into the characters rather than like familiar celebrity voices simply lending themselves to animated figures.

It is also worth knowing that “Wildwood” isn't quite the light-hearted woodland adventure its setting might suggest. The film has a distinctly darker edge, with some disturbing imagery, fantasy violence and themes of grief and loss. Younger viewers expecting an entirely whimsical experience may find certain sequences unsettling.

Ultimately, “Wildwood” is a film that is easier to admire than it is to completely fall in love with. Its imagination, visual craftsmanship and voice performances make it an engaging watch, even when the narrative gets a little carried away with itself. The journey through its woods is worth taking, even if you occasionally wish the film would find a slightly shorter way out.