---
title: "Wildwood"
year: 2026
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/wildwood"
fi1m_id: "wildwood"
imdb_id: "tt2056785"
tmdb_id: 791523
wikidata_id: "Q123058740"
fi1m_score: 85
critics_score: 84
critics_reviews: 19
published: "2026-10-22"
updated: "2026-10-25T10:25:16.941669+00:00"
region: "AT"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Wildwood (2026)

Directed by Travis Knight · 2h 12m · Animation, Adventure, Fantasy

## Identity

Wildwood

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/wildwood
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** wildwood
- **IMDb ID:** tt2056785
- **TMDB ID:** 791523
- **Wikidata ID:** Q123058740
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2056785/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/791523, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123058740

**Fi1m score: 85** · Critics 84 from 19 reviews

*In a sentence:* Wildwood makes us care about its outsiders enough to forgive them for keeping us past the two-hour mark

> Travis Knight’s animated fantasy is warm, moving and worth the long visit. Its expressive characters and carefully built world compensate for familiar storytelling, though 132 minutes gives the adventure more room than it needs.

## Synopsis

*Wildwood* is an animated fantasy adventure about growing up, with a story concerned with outsiders. Its characters include Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), Curtis Mehlberg (Jacob Tremblay), Alexandra (Carey Mulligan), Brenden (Mahershala Ali) and The General (Angela Bassett). The ensemble also includes Septima (Awkwafina), Dmitri (Charlie Day) and Niamh (Amandla Stenberg). Travis Knight directs Chris Butler’s adaptation of Colin Meloy’s novel, using animation to build the fantasy world. Caleb Deschanel handles the cinematography and Dario Marianelli provides the music for the 132-minute film.

## Review

Travis Knight’s *Wildwood* is a generous, affecting fantasy, and we recommend it warmly despite a running time that asks a little too much of a familiar story. Chris Butler adapts Colin Meloy’s novel, with Dario Marianelli providing the music. The film takes growing up seriously and has an evident affection for outsiders. Its animated world rewards close attention, and the characters have enough life to stop that attention wandering away from them.

Caleb Deschanel’s cinematography gives the animated figures a persuasive physical presence. They seem to occupy space rather than merely fill the image, which helps the elaborate surroundings feel like somewhere the characters can inhabit. The production design rewards inspection without turning every image into a hunt for evidence of hard work. Knight keeps the characters readable within it, which matters more than the number of things a fantasy can fit into a frame.

Peyton Elizabeth Lee voices Prue McKeel, Jacob Tremblay voices Curtis Mehlberg and Carey Mulligan voices Alexandra. We were moved by the affection shown to the film’s outsiders. The expressive character animation gives that affection something solid to work with: these figures have enough individuality to deserve more than a general instruction to believe in themselves. There is a maturity to the coming-of-age story that keeps its kindness from becoming a lesson delivered to the family audience.

Butler’s screenplay does not always find surprises to match the animation. Some of the fantasy storytelling is familiar, and at 132 minutes the film gives us time to notice that familiarity. A little more compression would help, particularly when the pleasure of exploring the setting begins to delay the business of getting on with the adventure. The characters keep these passages agreeable, but the slower stretches are where the length begins to count against it.

There are also moments when the computer-generated effects announce themselves too clearly. The contrast is noticeable because the animation elsewhere has such a persuasive physical presence. We would not trade away the film’s scale to remove every trace of digital assistance, but the joins can distract from the characters. It is a modest irritation in a film whose visual pleasures are otherwise so consistent.

Against the demands of family fantasy, *Wildwood* does the important things well. It offers an unfamiliar place that seems worth exploring, gives its characters room to be odd and makes growing up matter within the adventure. The action has energy, yet the elaborate production design is never the only reason to keep watching. Even when the story follows a recognisable path, the expressive animation provides a reason to stay interested in the characters following it.

Allow the full evening, and resist the temptation to treat the animation as something to glance up at between other tasks. There is too much careful character work here for that. The impatient member of the household may still make a fair point about the length.

*Fi1m score 85, published 22 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics greet Wildwood with strong enthusiasm, with praise centred on Laika’s painstaking stop-motion animation and the physical detail of its imagined world. The handcrafted settings, expansive production design and scale of the action draw repeated admiration. Many reviews also find emotional substance in the spectacle, praising a moving story about grief, growing up and outsiders. For these critics, the film’s ambition extends beyond the technical work to characters whose struggles give the adventure weight.

The reservations concern storytelling more than craft: familiar fantasy elements, a busy plot, unclear motives and a running time that some find excessive. IndieWire also objects to conspicuous CGI and finds the storytelling ordinary. The spread is wide, but heavily weighted towards approval, with only one negative review among nineteen. That dissent comes from Vulture, which admires the stop-motion work but finds the fantasy world generic and its central ideas underdeveloped.

## Straight answers

**Is Wildwood worth watching?**

*Wildwood* is worth watching for its expressive animation, moving affection for outsiders and carefully built fantasy world; we score it 85 out of 100. We recommend it warmly to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age adventures, though the familiar storytelling and leisurely 132-minute running time may test the impatient.

**How long is Wildwood, and what is it rated?**

*Wildwood* runs 2h 12m. It is an animation and adventure film.

**Where can I watch Wildwood in Austria?**

*Wildwood* is not on any streaming or rental service in Austria at the moment. Availability is checked daily.

**How violent or frightening is Wildwood, and is it suitable for children?**

*Wildwood* carries a UK 12A certificate, so children under 12 need an accompanying adult at the cinema. We would not treat its animation as a guarantee that it suits younger children: the certificate allows for material that may unsettle them, though our review does not identify specific frightening scenes or describe the severity of the violence.

**How does Wildwood compare to Coraline?**

*Wildwood* is the warmer choice beside [*Coraline*](https://film.one/film/coraline), while *Coraline* is better suited to anyone seeking a frightening childhood fantasy. We recommend both for their carefully made worlds and serious attention to growing up, but *Wildwood* asks more patience with familiar storytelling, while *Coraline* comes with a warning about its unsettling button-eyed parents.

**Is Wildwood based on a true story or a book?**

*Wildwood* is adapted from Colin Meloy’s novel, with a screenplay by Chris Butler, rather than presented as a true story. We recommend it for its characters and coming-of-age adventure, without making familiarity with the book a condition; our review does not assess how faithfully it follows the source.

**What should I watch after Wildwood?**

After *Wildwood*, try [*Coraline*](https://film.one/film/coraline) (2009, Fi1m 85): For handmade fantasy that gives childhood curiosity some unsettling consequences. Then [*The Secret of Kells*](https://film.one/film/the-secret-of-kells) (2009, Fi1m 76): For a forest adventure whose drawn images deserve patient attention; and [*Spirited Away*](https://film.one/film/spirited-away) (2001, Fi1m 92): For another young heroine learning the rules of an unfamiliar world.

### Reviews we read (19)

- **Little White Lies**, Hannah Strong (5/5/5): Strong calls the film a spellbinding triumph and Laika’s most mature outing. She especially praises the intricate stop-motion craft and the climactic battle’s exhilarating scale. [Read](https://www.lwlies.com/reviews/wildwood)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (5/5): The review presents the film as an exhilaratingly brilliant fantasy adventure. It singles out the stop-motion epic’s rapturous scale as its appeal. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/wildwood-review-2026)
- **Empire**, John Nugent (90/100, inferred): Nugent calls the film an astonishing, ambitious ode to outsiders and weirdos. He particularly praises its painstaking stop-motion animation and expansive production design. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/wildwood/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Frank Scheck (90/100, inferred): The critic calls Wildwood an enthralling, ambitious achievement and suggests it may be Laika’s masterpiece. They single out its genuine emotional storytelling and the lifelike, elaborate stop-motion world. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/wildwood-review-laika-travis-knight-1236726335/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Kenji Fujishima (3.5/4): The critic calls the film a technical marvel and a triumph on several levels. They praise its richly imagined world and its mature, moving coming-of-age story. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/wildwood-review-laika-travis-knight/)
- **Variety**, Guy Lodge (88/100, inferred): Lodge finds the film a spectacular success and an entrancing, if occasionally overlong, fantasy epic. He especially praises its lavish, tactile stop-motion artistry and richly detailed world. [Read](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/wildwood-review-1236908019/)
- **Radio Times**, Terry Staunton (85/100, inferred): The critic presents the film as an enchanting, intelligent fable with a positive verdict. They single out its feast for the eyes, mind and heart, and its affirmation of outsiders. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/laika-wildwood-review/)
- **Screen Daily**, Wendy Ide (85/100, inferred): The headline signals a strongly positive verdict, presenting the film as a dazzling adventure. It singles out Laika’s stop-motion animation as breaking new ground. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/wildwood-review-animation-studio-laika-break-new-ground-with-dazzling-stop-motion-adventure/5221279.article)
- **The AV Club**, Monica Castillo (B+): Castillo praises the film as an ambitious, emotionally resonant fantasy that shows Laika continuing to advance stop-motion animation. She singles out the richly detailed handcrafted visuals and the film’s affectionate portrait of Portland. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/wildwood-review-laika-stop-motion-epic-peyton-elizabeth-lee-jacob-tremblay)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Gary Goldstein (80/100, inferred): Goldstein finds the film a spectacularly immersive adventure, despite a busy story whose lessons and connective tissue sometimes fall short. He especially praises Laika’s dazzling stop-motion artistry and richly crafted visual world. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-10-23/wildwood-review-laika-stop-motion-animation-travis-knight-chris-butler)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (B-): Ehrlich finds the film a rare, worthwhile spectacle, but says its story lacks the enchantment of Laika’s best work. He praises the painstaking stop-motion world-building while faulting the ordinary storytelling and conspicuous CGI. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/movies/wildwood-movie-review-laika-1235221279/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (70/100, inferred): Bradshaw finds it an engaging, good-natured family adventure, though its story lacks a clear motive for the governess’s plan. He praises the stop-motion animation for its organic character and physical immediacy. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/oct/11/wildwood-review-carey-mulligan-laika)
- **Vulture**, Alison Willmore (30/100, inferred): Willmore finds the film’s fantasy world disappointingly generic and its central ideas underdeveloped. She praises the spectacular stop-motion craft but says the story’s final battle is forgettable. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/article/wildwood-movie-review-laika.html)
- **The Playlist**, Carlos Aguilar (A+): Aguilar calls the film a profoundly moving, visually stunning achievement. He especially praises its handcrafted stop-motion artistry and emotionally rich story about grief and growing up. [Read](https://theplaylist.net/wildwood-review-laika-travis-knight-20261022/)
- **Film Stories**, James Harvey (95/100, inferred): The critic calls Wildwood a near-magical, thrilling fantasy epic and one of the best fantasy blockbusters in years. They single out Laika’s astonishing stop-motion detail and kinetically staged action for praise. [Read](https://filmstories.co.uk/reviews/wildwood-review-epic-fantasy-goes-miniature/)
- **The Wrap** (95/100, inferred): The critic calls Wildwood a rapturous, astonishing achievement and one of the year’s best films. They especially praise the meticulous stop-motion craft and the emotionally rich story it brings to life. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/reviews/wildwood-review-laika/)
- **Collider**, Aidan Kelley (9/10): Kelley calls Wildwood a breathtaking technical achievement, though its story has a few shortcomings and runs slightly too long. He especially praises the stop-motion animation’s extraordinary scale, particularly in the final battle. [Read](https://collider.com/wildwood-review-laika/)
- **/Film**, Witney Seibold (9/10): The critic calls Wildwood breathtaking and among the year’s best, despite a familiar fantasy script. They especially praise its vivid, tactile stop-motion animation and expressive characterization. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/2288959/wildwood-movie-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (80/100, inferred): Hammond calls the film an ambitious, emotionally resonant Laika gem that could continue the studio’s Oscar-nomination streak. He particularly praises the stop-motion visuals, saying Caleb Deschanel’s cinematography makes them feel like live action without overwhelming the story. [Read](https://deadline.com/2026/10/wildwood-review-laika-movie-1237153776/)

## Details

- **Director:** Travis Knight
- **Director:** Travis Knight
- **Screenplay:** Chris Butler
- **Novel:** Colin Meloy
- **Cinematography:** Caleb Deschanel
- **Music:** Dario Marianelli
- **Producer:** Travis Knight, Arianne Sutner, Samuel Wilson
- **Cast:** Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue McKeel (voice); Jacob Tremblay as Curtis Mehlberg (voice); Carey Mulligan as Alexandra (voice); Mahershala Ali as Brenden (voice); Angela Bassett as The General (voice); Awkwafina as Septima (voice); Jake Johnson as Mr. McKeel (voice); Charlie Day as Dmitri (voice)
- **Runtime:** 2h 12m
- **First release (the UK):** 11 October 2026
- **Genres:** Animation, Adventure, Fantasy
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJQGtSeLPII

## Where to watch in Austria

Not streaming, renting or buying in Austria at the last check.

## If you liked this

- *Coraline* (2009), Fi1m 85: For handmade fantasy that gives childhood curiosity some unsettling consequences. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/coraline.md)
- *The Secret of Kells* (2009), Fi1m 76: For a forest adventure whose drawn images deserve patient attention. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-secret-of-kells.md)
- *Spirited Away* (2001), Fi1m 92: For another young heroine learning the rules of an unfamiliar world. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spirited-away.md)
- *Fantastic Planet* (1973), Fi1m 80: For stranger animated landscapes, with considerably less reassurance for the family. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/fantastic-planet.md)
- *The Dark Crystal* (1982), Fi1m 78: For a densely populated fantasy built from puppets and physical sets. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-dark-crystal.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/wildwood