Laika’s Wildwood, directed by Travis Knight, has drawn strong early praise for its detailed stop-motion animation, imaginative fantasy world and ambitious scale. However, while several critics have been impressed by the craftsmanship behind the film, some feel its storytelling does not reach the same heights. The film premiered at the BFI London Film Festival ahead of its theatrical release on October 23, 2026.
Based on the fantasy novel by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis, Wildwood follows Prue McKeel, a young girl whose baby brother, Mac, is abducted by a murder of crows. Joined by her classmate Curtis, Prue ventures into the mysterious Impassable Wilderness, a hidden world filled with talking animals, strange creatures and powerful figures. The voice cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan and Mahershala Ali.
The early reviews suggest that Wildwood is a major showcase for Laika’s handcrafted animation, although opinions differ on how effectively its story supports the visual spectacle.
The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck is among the critics who responded positively to the film’s technical and emotional strengths. His review, titled Wildwood Review: Laika’s Ambitious Stop-Motion Epic Is Both a Technical and Emotional Triumph, presents the film as a large-scale achievement for the studio. The film’s elaborate animation and emotional elements have helped it stand out among the studio’s previous work.
IndieWire’s David Ehrlich takes a more qualified view. Awarding the film a B-, Ehrlich describes Wildwood as an impressive and carefully crafted production but argues that it lacks some of the enchantment associated with Laika’s strongest films. He acknowledges the extraordinary effort behind the animation while suggesting that the sprawling fantasy story does not always make the most of its imaginative premise.
For Ehrlich, the film’s shortcomings do not erase its visual appeal. Instead, his review highlights the distinction between the achievement of its handmade production and the effectiveness of the story being told. His assessment places Wildwood among Laika’s more ambitious projects, even if it does not fully reach the studio’s earlier heights.
The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw is similarly measured. Giving the film three out of five stars, Bradshaw appreciates its stop-motion style, describing it as more organic and physically immediate than the digital animation common in mainstream cinema. He also recognises the film’s old-fashioned fantasy appeal.
However, Bradshaw questions whether the story clearly establishes the motivation behind Carey Mulligan’s sinister governess character. He also feels that the film does not deliver the same level of frightening impact as Coraline, apart from its unsettling opening sequence. His review suggests that Wildwood works better as a traditional fantasy adventure than as a darker, more frightening experience.
DiscussingFilm’s Tyler Taing offers a more enthusiastic assessment, awarding Wildwood four out of five stars. Taing praises the film’s elaborate physical sets, detailed puppets and ambitious fantasy sequences, highlighting how the handcrafted approach gives its world a distinctive atmosphere.
The review also points to the film’s coming-of-age elements and emotional storytelling. Peyton Elizabeth Lee’s performance as Prue gives the central character a determined, capable presence, while Jacob Tremblay brings warmth to Curtis. Mulligan’s portrayal of Alexandra adds menace while also suggesting the grief beneath the character’s villainous actions.
Taing sees the film as a celebration of the time and work involved in creating stop-motion animation. While acknowledging that it may not surpass Laika favourites such as Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, the review considers Wildwood a visually rich fantasy adventure with a strong sense of personality.
JoBlo’s first-reaction coverage, written by Steve Seigh, also highlights the positive response to the film’s animation and epic storytelling following its London Film Festival screening. These initial reactions add to the early enthusiasm surrounding Laika’s latest production, although they should be distinguished from the more detailed assessments offered in full reviews.
Taken together, the reviews point to a film whose craftsmanship is one of its strongest qualities. Scheck and Taing emphasise its technical achievement and emotional appeal, while Bradshaw and Ehrlich are more cautious about the story’s impact. Even among the less enthusiastic assessments, the animation remains a notable strength.
The main difference lies in how successfully the film combines its elaborate fantasy world with its narrative. For some critics, its scale and artistry make Wildwood a memorable achievement. For others, familiar story elements and less effective character motivations prevent it from reaching the same level as Laika’s best-known work.
With its theatrical release approaching, Wildwood appears to be a significant showcase for the studio’s distinctive approach to animation. The early critical response is encouraging overall, but it also suggests that the film’s visual ambition may leave a stronger impression than its storytelling.
Watch Trailer:
Film Details: Wildwood
- Director: Travis Knight
- Screenplay: Chris Butler
- Based on: Wildwood by Colin Meloy, illustrated by Carson Ellis
- Voice Cast: Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali,
- Genre: Animated Fantasy Adventure
- Production Company: Laika
- Distributor: Fathom Entertainment
- Runtime: Approximately 132 minutes
- Release Date: October 23, 2026
