From SlashFilm · Witney Seibold · · 1m 20s
Wildwood Review: LAIKA's Stunner Makes Fantasy Feel Fresh Again
LAIKA's stop-motion fantasy 'Wildwood' reimagines fantasy with tactile detail and gritty realism.
In brief
LAIKA's stop-motion fantasy 'Wildwood' reimagines fantasy with tactile detail and gritty realism. LAIKA's 'Wildwood' wins 9/10 for its stop-motion animation and fresh fantasy storytelling. Originally reported by SlashFilm.
Wildwood's Visual Mastery
LAIKA's stop-motion animation creates a tactile, vibrant fantasy world with expressive characters and natural movement.
“It's one of the most dazzling films I have seen in a long time.”
Breaking Fantasy Clichés
The film avoids Harry Potter-style self-grandeur and Lord of the Rings portent, focusing on gritty realism instead.
“It is free of Harry Potter-style YA self-grandeur, free of the tiresome Peter Jackson 'Lord of the Rings' portent.”
Prue's Journey
Twelve-year-old Prue McKeel escapes Portland with her brother to the magical Wildwood after a crow attack.
“Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) a 12-year-old girl with a one-year-old brother who lives in Portland with her hippie-dippie parents.”
Wildwood's Characters
The film features talking coyotes, a regal eagle led by Angela Bassett, and a corrupt mayor with a sniveling assistant.
“She also is astonished to find that animals and humans live side-by-side, filling out paperwork together.”
Gritty Fantasy World
Wildwood depicts war with blood and gore, avoiding kung-fu trained characters and bloodless combat.
“This is a fairy tale that ends in a fiery battlefield conflagration with swords, bayonets, and arterial spray.”
Literary Roots
The story draws from Philip Pullman's 'The Golden Compass' and folk horror tales like Arthur Machen's 'The White People'.
“Its literary influences, however, aren't of that trend. 'Wildwood' has more in common with the works of Philip Pullman ('The Golden Compass') than J.K. Rowling.”
Stop-Motion Excellence
The film's smooth stop-motion animation and natural pacing make it a standout in the fantasy genre.
“The movement is so smooth, and the characters are so expressive, you wonder why anyone bothers with CGI at all.”
Critical Reception
The film scores 9/10 and opens in theaters on October 23, 2026, after a 2026 release.
“Film Rating: 9 out of 10”
What Happens Next
Wildwood's gritty fantasy world and stop-motion animation set a new standard for the genre.
“It's the most visually creative fantasy movie since 'The Dark Crystal'.”
The headline
LAIKA's 'Wildwood' wins 9/10 for its stop-motion animation and fresh fantasy storytelling.
