Poster for “Wildwood” by LAIKA Studios.
IMDB.COM /WEBSITE
Nicholas Melendez, Staff Writer
On a whim, I decided to take myself to AMC Harlem 9 to see the new movie produced by LAIKA Studios. This is the same company that released “Coraline,” specializing in Claymation feature films and commonly interweaving a meaningful message into a dark fantasy. This film company also produced “The Boxtrolls,” “Kubo and the Two Strings,” “Missing Link” and “ParaNorman,” to name a few.
I bought my ticket and buttered popcorn; I also made the adult decision to purchase an A-Listers Premiere Stubs membership, because I deserve it. Then, I moseyed over to my theater. Despite getting there five minutes after the movie said it was starting, it took about another 10 minutes for the previews of new movies to finish up, not to forget the Nicole Kidman AMC bit. I like it, but it sounds a tad like a broken record now.
I had absolutely nothing to expect from this movie. The only trailer I saw didn’t reveal much about the plot nor the characters.
I personally find Claymation to be quite mind-blowing. Putting together all the still images and even making the characters’ mouths match the dialogue is immensely impressive. I believe that there are a few parts at the start of the movie where they used just real video. If you see the movie, you will know what scenes I am talking about, though perhaps they are simply that advanced. Similar to how sculptors can make stone look as soft as silk.
My first thought, besides the excellent graphics, was that it feels refreshing. That thought could’ve also been due to me not being in a movie theater in months, but it ever so slightly voiced a progressive tone to the audience that drew my attention in. I was expecting something like “Coraline,” but this was not what I expected.
The audience feels geared toward the younger generation; even just by the title “Wildwood,” it makes one think it will be mystical and fantastical… which it was.
Laika Studios strongly ties in violence on the film. Two people are fighting over a baby: for one side, the baby is her sister; for the other side, the baby will be sacrificed to the forest for power. That’s the plot in one sentence. Also, it is a hoot; the writers know some comedy.
The material in the story felt timely and relevant to the state of our world. There’s a strong emphasis on nature, including the respect it deserves, specifically the prevention of widespread deforestation.
“Wildwood” took 16 years in development and production; it is based on a novel written in 2011 by Colin Meloy. LAIKA gave visionary life to Meloy’s proactive view on how humans treat the world. I don’t wish to reveal any spoilers, thus I will simply include that the plot has numerous climaxes and unexpected pivots that make you feel like a mouse in a maze.
The resolution was perfect, cinematically, and when taken into context. I was at first questioning why there was a full-on war sequence, though perhaps when in need for another revolution for the better, that is what must happen. Ten-out-of-ten material; this will be a movie to watch for a while.