Laika Studios' new stop-motion film Wildwood has earned a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics after its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11.
The film, based on the 2011 novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, follows headstrong teenager Prue McKeel (voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee) as she embarks on a desperate rescue mission after her baby brother is abducted by a murder of crows. She ventures into an enchanted forest beyond her home in Portland, Oregon, where she encounters talking animals, bandits, and powerful leaders.
Star-Studded Cast and Record-Breaking Runtime
The voice cast includes Carey Mulligan, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, Charlie Day, and Jemaine Clement, among others. Wildwood is Laika's first film since Missing Link in 2019 and, at 131 minutes, is the longest stop-motion animated film by runtime. It is also the first in the studio's history to receive a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association.
Critics Praise 'Crowning Achievement'
Reviewers have heaped praise on the film. Flickering Myth called it "the crowning achievement in Laika's 20-year journey," while Collider wrote that "Wildwood soars above them all with some of the most breathtaking sequences of the year." The Hollywood Reporter dubbed it the studio's "masterpiece," and The Wrap hailed it as "the most astonishing animated films ever produced."
Filmhounds Magazine said: "Wildwood is Laika's magnum opus; a cinematic achievement that we won't soon see the likes of again. The love and ingenuity on display throughout the writing, directing, art, music and technical work is immense." Screen Rant noted it is "at once beautiful and horrifying, heartwarming and gut-wrenching, hopeful and crushing," while Discussing Film called it "a gorgeous fantasy epic that features some of the most complex stop-motion sequences ever made."
Oscars Buzz and Release Date
Wildwood is topping odds lists for a Best Animated Feature nomination at the 2027 Oscars, ahead of films like Toy Story 5. Director Travis Knight spoke at the premiere about the film's long development, telling Variety: "This movie took us 16 years to make. When we started Barack Obama was a fresh-faced president in his very first term." He added: "I could have become a medical doctor twice in the time it took us to make this movie. A child who was born when we started this could have driven me to the premiere."
The film is scheduled to be released in UK cinemas on October 23.
