{
  "id": 13740048,
  "title": "‘Wildwood’ Review: Laika’s Fantasy Epic Is One of the Most Astonishing Animated Movies Ever Made",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/wildwood-review-laikas-fantasy-epic-is-one-of-the-most-astonishing",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-11T15:05:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TheWrap",
    "slug": "thewrap",
    "url": "https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/reviews/wildwood-review-laika/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Travis Knight's \"Wildwood\" is a stunning two-hour animated fantasy epic that showcases the power of stop-motion animation. Made by Laika, the studio behind beloved films like \"Coraline,\" \"ParaNorman,\" and \"The Boxtrolls,\" this movie proves that AI cannot replicate the creativity and meaning that comes from the painstaking process of handcrafted art.\n\nSet in Portland, Oregon, the story follows Prue, a girl who breaks her promise to never let her infant brother Mac out of the house. When Mac is kidnapped by a flock of crows, Prue and her new friend, Curtis, embark on a journey through fantastical towns to rescue him. Along the way, they encounter magical creatures, including an army of birds and anthropomorphic characters, all brought to life through intricate stop-motion animation.\n\nThe film's story, adapted by Chris Butler from a novel by Decemberists frontman Colin Meloy and illustrated by Carson Ellis, contains familiar elements of fantasy tales. However, Laika expertly weaves these elements together with love and care, creating a rich mosaic of interesting decisions and intentional callbacks. Although some might view the story as familiar, the handcrafted nature of \"Wildwood\" sets it apart from other movies in the genre.\n\nWhat makes \"Wildwood\" truly remarkable is the sheer volume of magical tricks, sets, props, and movements that make up the film. Each character, scene, and movement is a testament to the filmmakers' dedication and artistic vision. The film's impact is undeniable, and its emotionally-charged narrative, along with its intriguing characters, makes it a genuinely beautiful experience. \"Wildwood\" reminds us that art matters because of the effort put into its creation, and Travis Knight and Laika have given us a rapturous, unforgettable cinematic experience.",
  "summary": "The stop-motion adventure, directed by Travis Knight, is so ambitious and intricate that it's hard to even fathom The post ‘Wildwood’ Review: Laika’s Fantasy Epic Is One of the Most Astonishing Animated Movies Ever Made appeared first on TheWrap .",
  "key_points": [
    "Laika's 'Wildwood' is stunning stop-motion animated fantasy epic",
    "Portland-set story follows Prue rescuing kidnapped brother Mac",
    "Film's intricate animation sets it apart from genre peers"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Deadline",
        "title": "‘Wildwood’ Review: Carey Mulligan Leads Voice Cast Of Laika’s Ambitious And Visually Stunning Stop-Motion Fantasy Epic – London Film Festival",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/wildwood-review-carey-mulligan-leads-voice-cast-of-laikas-ambitious",
        "published": "2026-10-11T13:15:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Hollywood Reporter",
        "title": "‘Wildwood’ Review: Laika’s Ambitious Stop-Motion Epic Is Both a Technical and Emotional Triumph",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/wildwood-review-laikas-ambitious-stop-motion-epic-is-both-a-technical",
        "published": "2026-10-11T13:15:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IndieWire",
        "title": "‘Wildwood’ Review: Laika’s Epic Stop-Motion Wonder Lacks the Magic of the Studio’s Best Movies",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/wildwood-review-laikas-epic-stop-motion-wonder-lacks-the-magic-of-the",
        "published": "2026-10-11T13:15:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Variety",
        "title": "‘Wildwood’ Review: Laika’s Most Ambitious Feature to Date Is a Richly Textured, Transportive Fairytale Epic",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/wildwood-review-laikas-most-ambitious-feature-to-date-is-a-richly",
        "published": "2026-10-11T13:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}