‘Wildwood’ Release Date: Laika’s Stunning Stop Motion Adventure
‘Wildwood‘ has finally arrived after an impressive 16 years of development, a remarkable feat for any film, especially a stop motion project. This marks Laika’s sixth feature, directed by studio head Travis Knight, and is based on the 2011 novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis. With such a lengthy wait, I entered the theater hoping the studio had crafted something worthy of the anticipation.
The narrative centers on Prue McKeel, a teenager from Portland, voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, whose baby brother Mac is kidnapped by a murder of crows. She teams up with her classmate Curtis, voiced by Jacob Tremblay, to venture into a hidden, forbidden forest. Their journey introduces them to talking animals, roguish bandits, and powerful figures with sinister motives, including Alexandra, a character voiced by Carey Mulligan, who is shaped by her own tragic loss, and Mahershala Ali as Brendan, the Bandit King.
This film is a breathtaking achievement in filmmaking, almost literally. Each frame is filled with handcrafted life, showcasing a scale that Laika has never attempted before, featuring armies of coyote soldiers and a breathtaking flight on the back of a giant golden eagle voiced by Angela Bassett. I found myself grinning in my seat multiple times.
What surprised me the most was the emotional depth the film possesses. It opens on a dramatic and poignant note, marking Laika’s first release to receive a PG-13 rating, with real violence, blood, and death depicted on screen. This fairy tale respects its young audience enough to present stakes that feel genuine, and the grief woven into Prue’s journey gives the spectacle a beating heart.
However, it is not without its flaws. At over 130 minutes, it stands as the longest stop motion feature ever created. While it rarely drags, the story elements can feel familiar, and the script does not quite match the ambition of the visuals.
Some of the physical comedy and punchlines also clash with the heavier themes, disrupting moments that deserved more space to resonate. A few characters in the extensive cast could have benefitted from additional development, which feels like an unusual critique for a film of this length.
Despite these minor issues, the wonder of ‘Wildwood’ remains undiminished. In an era where much animation feels streamlined, this film feels crafted by individuals who cared for every detail. You can sense the human touch in every shot, making the journey feel truly earned.
There are places you don’t go.
One choice changes everything. Watch the Teaser Trailer for Wildwood now, and see the movie in theatres everywhere October 23. #Wildwood https://t.co/1COoQT3REY— LAIKA (@LAIKAStudios) May 13, 2026
I left ‘Wildwood’ feeling moved and a bit dazzled. The craftsmanship is exceptional, the emotional core remains strong, and the script’s flaws appear minor compared to what Knight and his team have accomplished. It stands out as one of the most memorable animated films I have seen in years, earning a solid 9 out of 10.
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