LAIKA returns with Wildwood, a visually stunning stop-motion fantasy adventure featuring an impressive voice cast, intricate animation, and a darker story than audiences might expect.
When it comes to stop-motion animation, there is one name that stands out among the rest. That name is LAIKA. LAIKA, the studio that brought you Coraline, The Boxtrolls, Kubo and the Two Strings, etc., now offers its latest film, Wildwood, based on the novel by Colin Meloy (best known as the frontman for the indie folk-rock band The Decemberists) and illustrator Carson Ellis (Du Iz Tak?). The film tells the story of a magical young girl named Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee; Andi Mack) who must enter the impassable forest to rescue her baby brother. Wildwood hits theaters on October 23, 2026.
Prue loves her brother, Mac (newcomer Arthur Knight), but hates that she can't take him outside to play. However, one day, while her parents are away, she takes Mac all around town, eventually ending up at the school playground. Suddenly, they find themselves surrounded by crows who fly away with Mac, while Prue and another neighborhood kid, Curtis (Jacob Tremblay; Wonder), follow on her bicycle. At the edge of the impassable forest, the thick fog and ivy part, allowing Prue and Curtis to enter an opening that leads them to a magical world that is as volatile as it is beautiful. As they race against time to save Mac, they discover not everyone can be trusted, nobody is all good or bad, and the world they thought they knew has secrets they can't understand.
Wildwood not only boasts one of the best studios in stop-motion animation but also an excellent director, current CEO of LAIKA, Travis Knight (Bumblebee). Knight brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the stop-motion process, having begun his career as an intern at LAIKA. He understands the complexity and time-consuming nature of this type of animation, and he utilizes all of it to bring this world to life. The painstaking details of all the people, creatures, and flora and fauna are remarkable and help the audience feel enveloped in that world.
The voice cast is also incredible, beginning with Lee and Tremblay, who breathe every emotion into each line they speak. Awkwafina (Crazy Rich Asians) is especially good as the rat, Septima, and brings humor to an otherwise somewhat morose film. Other cast members include Carey Mulligan (Promising Young Woman), Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Angela Bassett (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Jake Johnson (New Girl), Jemaine Clement (What We Do in the Shadows), Charlie Day (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Maya Erskine (Wine Country), and Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?). This is truly a powerhouse of talented actors who work together as a cohesive ensemble.
There are similarities between so many of LAIKA's films, and Wildwood is no exception. The overall feel of the film is dark and haunting and deals with real-life subjects such as war and kidnapping. However, this is the first time a LAIKA film has earned a PG-13 rating, which is deserved. The death of a large eagle is vividly depicted, as is the bloody battle scene near the end of the movie.
Wildwood also has the distinction of being LAIKA's longest film to date, which isn't necessarily a good thing. At almost two hours and 15 minutes, the movie feels unnecessarily long, and while the scene of the eagle soaring through the sky with Prue on its back is majestic, it also didn't need to go on as long as it did or end so abruptly and graphically.
Wildwood is another visual masterpiece for LAIKA and reminds us yet again how good they are at what they do, but it hits a couple of minor bumps along the way. Still, you can't dismiss the craftsmanship that goes into each of their movies, and that is fully on display in Wildwood.
Grade: A-
