Close Close By Jake Hodges Published Sep 16, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT In over three years at Collider, senior author Jake has now penned over 3000 articles covering a wide range of TV and film for the resources, lists, utilities, news, and interview teams.
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring a fantasy world to life, look no further than Laika’s latest offering, Wildwood, which just made its grand debut at the London Film Festival. This stop-motion animated adventure is not just a film; it’s a love letter to the art of animation, a visual feast, and a testament to perseverance (seriously, 16 years in the making!).
Let’s start with the basics: Wildwood is based on the novel by Colin Meloy, and it runs a whopping 132 minutes. That’s right, folks—almost two and a half hours of pure, handcrafted magic. If you’re planning to watch it, make sure you’ve got your snacks at the ready because you won’t want to miss a second of this epic journey.
Now, let’s talk about the voice cast, shall we? Enter Carey Mulligan, who leads the charge with a voice that could probably charm the socks off a statue. Her talent adds a layer of depth to the already rich storytelling. It’s like they took a sprinkle of fairy dust and mixed it with a dash of talent to create the perfect ensemble.
But what’s a film without some drama, right? The production of Wildwood began in 2021 after a decade and a half of dreaming and scheming. If you’ve ever tried to put together IKEA furniture, you know that sometimes it takes more than just a good idea and a few tools. So, hats off to Laika for sticking with it!
Visually, Wildwood is like stepping into a painting that’s come to life. The attention to detail is astounding—each frame is meticulously crafted, reminding us why stop-motion is still the coolest kid on the animation block. You can practically feel the love (and maybe a few paper cuts) that went into creating this lush, vibrant world.
The film is set to have its North American premiere at AFI Fest later this month, and if the buzz from London is anything to go by, it’s bound to be a hit. Critics are already raving about its emotional depth and technical prowess, suggesting that Laika might just have another Oscar contender on their hands.
In a world filled with quick cuts and CGI, Wildwood stands out as a reminder of what can be achieved when artists dedicate themselves to their craft. So, mark your calendars and prepare for a cinematic experience that promises to be both enchanting and, dare I say, a bit of a tear-jerker.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of animation or just someone who enjoys a good story told through stunning visuals, Wildwood is definitely worth your time. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be whisked away into a world where the only limit is your imagination (and maybe how long you can sit still).
Inspired by: “‘Wildwood’ Review: Carey Mulligan Leads Voice Cast Of Laika’s Ambitious And Visually Stunning Stop-…” (r/Entertainment)