Laika Studios has officially released its latest stop-motion feature, Wildwood, in theaters across North America. The film, which has earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, marks a significant milestone for the studio as it adapts the fantasy novel by Colin Meloy into a highly polished cinematic experience.

How was the animation created?

To achieve its smooth aesthetic, the studio utilized a blend of traditional stop-motion and CGI enhancements. While some viewers on social media questioned if certain moving elements were digital, the studio relies heavily on physical models and 3D printing. To ensure precise facial expressions, Laika used 142,000 3D-printed faces. This meticulous process involves:

  • Voxel printing for subsurface scattering effects.
  • Individual printing for every mouth shape and emotion.
  • Tiny magnets rigged within the puppets' structures.

What is the story about?

Based on the 2011 children's fantasy novel, the PG-13 film follows Prue McKeel as she enters the magical Impassable Wilderness in Portland, Oregon. Her mission is to rescue her kidnapped baby brother from a world of competing powers.

Canadian actor Jacob Tremblay provides the voice for Prue's classmate, Curtis. Tremblay noted that the film's tone is comparable to the Harry Potter series, warning that while there are darker themes like violence, "we don't see anything too harsh."

The challenge of voice acting

Unlike live-action roles, the cast had to rely solely on vocal performance to convey emotion. Lead actress Peyton Elizabeth Lee described the process of working with director Travis to find the specific vocal nuances that best served her character. This required a deep focus on finding the truth in every moment without the aid of physical sets or facial expressions during the recording sessions.

Why does the rating matter?

The film carries a PG-13 rating due to themes of violence and suicide-related material. This distinction is important for families in the United States and Canada as they navigate the film's content. While the animation is highly detailed and polished, the narrative explores more mature concepts than standard children's fare, aiming for a level of storytelling depth that resonates with older audiences.