Wildwood Review: LAIKA Hits New Heights in Stop Motion

Wildwood stands as a major achievement in stop motion animation, directed by Travis Knight and based on the book by Colin Meloy with illustrations by Carson Ellis. The story follows a middle schooler named Prue McKeel who hates being a child. When a flock of crows kidnaps her baby brother Mac, Prue and a classmate named Curtis chase them across a bridge into the Impassable Wilderness. This leads them to Wildwood, a magical place where talking animals live alongside humans and ancient magic connects all life.

The film shines brightly with its visual style, featuring character designs that fit the fairy tale theme without looking creepy. The sheer scale of the crowd scenes, filled with humans, animals, and plants, makes this project stand out in the LAIKA catalog. Carey Mulligan delivers an emotional standout performance as Alexandra, the Dowager Governess, holding the emotional core of the movie together alongside a great voice cast that includes Mahershala Ali, Richard E. Grant, and Tantoo Cardinal.

While some of the forced humor and boy jokes occasionally interrupt sincere moments, the overall tone remains strong and magical. The folk rock musical style matches the vibe of Portland and the roots of the source material. Wildwood is playing in theaters everywhere starting October 23, 2026, offering fans a beautifully crafted story that will earn praise for years.