· · 2 sources ·Updated

Laika studio releases new stop-motion film Wildwood set in Portland

Portland-based animation studio Laika has released its latest feature, Wildwood, a stop-motion fantasy adventure written by Chris Butler and directed by Travis Knight.

‘Wildwood’ Review: Laika’s Most Ambitious Feature to Date Is a Richly Textured, Transportive Fairytale Epic
File photo ‘Wildwood’ Review: Laika’s Most Ambitious Feature to Date Is a Richly Textured, Transportive Fairytale Epic Photo: Variety

Handcrafted visual style stands out

The sixth film from the independent studio showcases a tactile approach rarely seen in modern animation. Director Travis Knight pushes the medium into epic territory while maintaining an organic look. This style distinguishes the movie from digital graphics that dominate the current marketplace.

Story involves young heroine and quest

The plot follows a twelve-year-old girl named Prue who must care for her baby brother. She cycles through the streets of Portland before entering a mythical forest park next to the city. Strange creatures and fairytale nobility reportedly dwell within this impassable wilderness where humans are ignorant.

Parents are amiable hippies

Prue's parents are voiced by Jake Johnson and Maya Erskine in the film. They believe in natural forces and benign magic while living in a groovy city. Local hipster stores and signage are affectionately mocked within the story setting.

All 2 outlets report consistently

No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.

  • Variety
  • The Guardian

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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.