As consumers begin turning toward analog in an increasingly AI-driven world, Wildwood is a reminder that true artistry still has a place in cinema. But if we’re so desperate to preserve the human touch in art, why aren’t we showing up to support it?
Laika Studios
A few factors may be contributing to Wildwood’s dismal box-office run. First, its PG-13 rating puts families in a bit of a bind. Is it too dark or frightening for younger children? And for older kids, will its story and sensibilities feel too juvenile? It’s a tricky middle ground: too mature for one audience, potentially too young for another. Second, going to the movies is expensive. Trust me, I know. Taking my family of six to see Wildwood brought us dangerously close to the $100 mark. Was it worth it? Absolutely. But does that change the fact that going to the cinema has become a privilege, and in many ways, a luxury? Not at all.
And finally, there’s the reality of what Laika Studios does. Stop-motion animation is a painstaking, time-consuming, and incredibly expensive art form, and there are only so many studios still willing to take on these kinds of projects. Wildwoodreportedly took 17 years to bring to life. Seventeen years! That kind of commitment is extraordinary, but it’s also a reminder of just how much goes into making a film like this.
A look at Laika’s filmography reveals a studio willing to invest heavily in its stories, even when box-office returns don’t necessarily reflect the scale of that investment. But here’s the thing: maybe that’s not the whole story.
Look at Coraline and The Boxtrolls. These films have found lives far beyond their original theatrical runs. They return to theaters year after year, attract new generations of fans, and continue to inspire merchandise and licensing opportunities. Coraline, in particular, has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Its staying power proves that a film’s legacy isn’t always determined by its opening weekend or even its initial box-office performance.
And maybe that’s where we need to shift our perspective with Wildwood. Perhaps its worth can’t be measured by ticket sales alone. Maybe it’s about preserving an art form that takes extraordinary patience and dedication to master. Maybe it’s about telling stories that stay with us long after the credits roll. And maybe, just maybe, it’s about creating something that future generations will look back on as a piece of cinematic history.
Because if we’re serious about preserving artistry in an increasingly automated world, we have to be willing to support the people who are still putting their hearts, hands, and years of their lives into making it.
Now let’s talk about why Wildwood is the best animated film of the decade!
Laika Studios
Set in Portland, Oregon, Wildwood follows Prue McKeel, a Portland teenager whose world is turned upside down when a murder of crows abducts her baby brother, Mac, and carries him into the mysterious wilderness beyond the city. Alongside her classmate Curtis, Prue ventures into a hidden world inhabited by talking animals, mystical figures, and warring factions, all fighting for control of the land. But the deeper Prue ventures into Wildwood, the more she uncovers about its ruthless ruler, Alexandra, and a dark bargain that ties her own family to the fate of the forest. With Mac’s life hanging in the balance, Prue must navigate a world where magic comes at a price and growing up means confronting truths she may not be ready to face.
Y’all know I’m a sucker for good pacing. Give me a film that sets up its story, gets the ball rolling, and has me hooked within the first 20 minutes, and I’m a happy camper. I know, I know… I’m a needy lover, but what can I say? I need a little excitement early on. Nothing tests my patience quite like a slow burn that takes its sweet time getting to the good stuff. Wildwood wastes absolutely no time getting things moving. We get a handful of character introductions, a glimpse into their everyday lives, and then all hell breaks loose when Mac is swept away into the Impassable Wilderness. From there, we’re off to the races. The story takes us through every corner of Wildwood, throwing hope, heartbreak, action, and some genuinely shocking moments our way. I was glued to my seat. What I appreciate most is that the film knows when to slow down, letting certain moments breathe so the tension can build and the characters can develop. By the time we reach that epic conclusion, we’ve been given a reason to care about what happens next. And that’s what good pacing is all about.
Let’s talk about the artistry, because my goodness, Wildwood is a sight to behold. The colors are vibrant, the environments are lush, and the cinematography gives this world a sense of scale that feels downright cinematic. There’s so much texture and detail packed into every frame that I found myself wanting to pause just to take it all in. And then there are moments when the animation flows so seamlessly, the movements feel so natural, that you genuinely forget you’re watching stop-motion. That’s the magic of Laika. You’re not just watching puppets move across a set; you’re watching an entire world come to life, one painstakingly crafted frame at a time. And honestly, there’s something pretty damn special about that.
Lastly, I think Wildwood can really be divided into two distinct halves, and the tonal shift is something else. The first half, despite its fair share of scares and death, feels much more lighthearted. We’re exploring this strange new world alongside Prue, discovering its secrets, finding hope, and slowly bringing together the people who will help fight for Wildwood. But that second half? We’re talking full-on Braveheart! The gloves come off, and Travis Knight delivers an all-out war between good and evil that gets downright brutal. We’re talking a murder of crows plucking out eyes, a decapitation, and some absolutely epic action sequences. And I’m sitting there thinking, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! The sheer amount of work that must have gone into staging, building, and animating these sequences is mind-boggling. Seriously, think about the number of individual frames, the tiny movements, and the painstaking detail required to pull off a battle of this scale with stop-motion. It’s an incredible showcase of what this art form can accomplish when filmmakers go all in.
Laika Studios
Wildwood is truly a masterpiece. How lucky are we to be able to witness this film in our lifetime?
So if you’ve watched this film this past weekend, what did you think? Let me know down in the comments!
Five stars from me!
You can also listen to be break down this film a little bit more on this week’s episode of Cubbie Chats!
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