Wildwood Review
Wildwood (2026) Film Review, a movie directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, Colin Meloy, and Carson Ellis, starring Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Carey Mulligan, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Arthur Knight, and Jake Johnson.
Based on the novel of the same name, Wildwood is a handcrafted epic tale of fantasy and grief. It raises the bar for what is possible in stop-motion animation in terms of action and fluidity, and the character designs are top-notch as well. The scale of the story and the world is immense, and despite it being the longest stop-motion animated movie of all time, it still feels like more could have been told. Still with the cast and heart in hand, Wildwood stands out among a year of standout animated films.
The first thing to note is that Wildwood does a good job of establishing the bond between Prue (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and her infant brother, Mac (played by Director Travis Knight’s infant son, Arthur). The two donʻt spend enough time together, but they have a strong bonding moment at the beginning of the film. It’s clear that Prue dotes on her brother and loves having him in her life. She cherishes her role as a big sister, so you are sold on her despair when Mac is mysteriously kidnapped at the beginning of the film. It seems like a fun inverse of the plot of Labyrinth (1986).
The sheer amount of models used in Wildwood is really hard to wrap your head around. The characterʻs faces and interactions are so well blended in with each other. There are thousands upon thousands of unique models and thousands more unique facial masks for each of them at work, and the fluidity among them is astounding. The final battle in this film makes full use of all of that, with complex battle movements and cool action details. Probably the highlight is the aerial characters, like the birds and crows, who have some of the most engaging and colorful appearances and movements.
A big credit goes to the movieʻs set design and tone. The environmental sets and designs look both lifelike and fantastical. It’s also not afraid of sticking to one clean look. A big credit that this film has is how quickly it’s willing to turn from a cute and fun fantasy world and, with enough whiplash to snap a neck, show off how brutal and savage a war-ravaged land looks. Some of the violence and action that gets put on screen is unexpected, to say it mildly. You donʻt see it coming, and even when you do, you donʻt expect the full amount.
All the characters in this film have a moment in the sun. Curtis, played by Jacob Tremblay, the nerdy boy who dreams of being brave, has a story with a predictable arc but a cool twist near the end. Angela Bassettʻs character, The General, is a commanding and soothing presence that isnʻt in the movie nearly enough. Mahershala Ali voice leads the commanding and supporting voice of the Bandit King. The only character that doesnʻt shine is Jake Johnsonʻs role as Mac and Prueʻs father. Johnson voice seemed out of place for the character, and it never quite sits well.
Though the standout character in this has to be Alexandra (Carey Mulligan), the Dowager Governess, as the film’s main antagonist, she is the primary hurdle Prue must overcome to get her brother back. But what makes Alexandra such a strong character is how she is the personification of grief, grief that specifically never gets to heal. She does heinous, evil things, but you can always see the lining of humanity that she used to have. Though that just makes her so unsettling. Someone who is capable of such kindness and empathy but actively chooses destruction instead. Fitting that is also what leads to her downfall.
The world of Wildwood is expansive, and it feels like the movie is only scratching the surface. It’s already the longest stop-motion animated movie of all time, but it definitely feels like some areas of the world need a bit more exploration. It’s a minor tag, and perhaps this runs counter to the nature of the fantasy genre. It feels like the Ivory, the world’s main magic, is so interesting as a force both sacred and feared, but has room for further expansion. That, and what little politics are involved here, are fascinating and feel like more should be done with them. So maybe this isnʻt a case of a writing fault, but the movie leaving us wanting more.
Overall, Wildwood is a labor of both intense love and dedication. It’s an epic on a scale that is not easily quantified. This is a film that speaks to the audience of the power of grief and loss and empowering the relationships we still have with our loved ones. From start to end, it’s a cinematic roller coaster and a testament to the creative and industrious power of animation.
Rating: 8.6/10
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