Wildwood Could Finally Win Laika an Oscar, But Parents Should Read This First

Laika has quietly built one of the most distinctive animation catalogs of the past two decades, and the Academy has noticed five times without ever handing the studio a trophy. Wildwood, Laika’s sixth film, might be the one that changes that. At 130 minutes it’s the longest stop-motion feature ever released, and it’s adapted from Colin Meloy’s 500-page YA novel, illustrated by Carson Ellis. Yes, that Colin Meloy, the Decemberists frontman.

The story follows Portland teenager Prue McKeel, who ventures into a mythic forest to rescue her toddler brother after crows abduct him. She encounters a grief-stricken dowager governess and armies of animal warriors along the way. Travis Knight directed, with Peyton Elizabeth Lee voicing Prue and Carey Mulligan as Alexandra. Critics are praising the film’s emotional complexity and technical craft, calling it a dazzling exploration of what stop-motion can achieve.

There’s a catch for families: reviewers are warning that some of the imagery is violent and upsetting, and they’re advising parents to consider their child’s individual tolerance, not just their age. A making-of segment plays during the credits, so plan to stay. Will you be seeing Wildwood in theaters, or waiting to preview it at home first?