Just because a movie is animated doesn’t mean it’s suitable for young children. Wildwood, the new dark-fantasy adventure from LAIKA Studios, combines breathtaking stop-motion animation with frightening imagery, intense battles and mature themes. So, should parents let their kids watch it?
Based on Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis’s 2011 children’s book, Wildwood follows Portland teenager Prue McKeel, whose baby brother is kidnapped by a murder of crows. With her school friend Curtis, she ventures into a mysterious forest filled with talking animals, dangerous creatures and a powerful, potentially sinister ruler.
Although the film’s imaginative premise might appeal to children, its content warrants caution. The movie is rated PG-13 in the United States for strong fantasy violence and bloody images, thematic material, suicide-related material, brief partial nudity and language.
The USA Today parents’ guide is a useful starting point for families weighing whether the film suits their children. Parents should consider their child’s sensitivity to frightening scenes rather than relying on the animation or fantasy setting alone.
What Are the Reviews Saying About Wildwood?
Critics have praised the movie’s visual ambition and remarkable craftsmanship. Beloved film critic Richard Crouse awarded it four stars, describing it as “an epic fairy tale for adults told on a grand scale” in his review of Wildwood.
However, its darker storytelling may make it difficult viewing for younger audiences. The Seattle’s Child parent review warns that the film’s persistent danger, deaths and disturbing moments make it more appropriate for older children, recommending viewers aged 11 and up.
The takeaway for parents is that Wildwood can be visually spectacular without being suitable for every age group. Its combination of adventure, peril and mature themes makes an individual child’s emotional readiness especially important.
Who Made Wildwood, and Who Stars in It?
Directed by Travis Knight and written by Chris Butler, Wildwood was produced by Oregon-based LAIKA Studios, known for stop-motion films such as Coraline. The movie adapts Meloy and Ellis’s fantasy novel into an elaborate animated adventure.
The voice cast includes Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue, Jacob Tremblay as Curtis and Carey Mulligan as Alexandra. Other stars include Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Tom Waits and Richard E. Grant.
According to the film’s production overview, the movie took years to develop and features painstakingly crafted animation. Its artistry may appeal to older kids and teens, but parents should preview the content or discuss its mature themes before deciding whether younger family members are ready.
