AFI FEST 2020 | "Wolfwalkers" Is A Stunning Animated Experience
8/12 ForReel Score | 3/5 Stars
“It’s for your own good.” This is a phrase repeated over and over throughout Wolfwalkers as men in power insist that they know what’s best for Robyn (Honor Kneafsey), the young protagonist in the film. But as you might expect from a curious, brave, open minded young girl like Robyn, she ventures outside of her strict father’s purview, ultimately procuring an unlikely friendship with the mythical Wolfwalker, Mehb (Eva Whittaker). That relationship, in addition to gorgeous animation, makes Wolfwalkers a dazzling and exceptional narrative experience.
Bill (Sean Bean - Possessor, Lord of the Rings) has been enlisted in a small fortified town to rid the local forests of the wolf pack that lives in it. But when his daughter, Robyn, sneaks beyond the walls of the town into the forest, she encounters the mythical Wolfwakers - a magical mother/daughter pair who inhabit their human bodies when they’re awake but take on wolf forms when asleep. When Mehb accidentally passes this power on to Robyn, the two strike up a blossoming friendship and Robyn’s perspectives of the wolves and legends change. Now she must convince the town, the ruling Lord Protector (Simon McBurney), and her father to retract their eradication efforts, while avoiding being killed herself in her wolf form.
Wolfwalkers immerses viewers in exquisitely abstract detail with the signature animation style we’re familiar with in The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea. As usual, it’s an incredible display of animation excellence - a delightful feast for the eyes. And the bond that form between Robyn and Mehb is some of the best character development we’ll see in film this year.
The story can feel a bit drug out at times, though. It can be frustrating how little Robyn says to defend herself and her observations when given the opportunity. It plays into the notion of not being heard or listened to as a child - a young girl nonetheless in a highly traditional society that expects her to simply do as she’s told. But it all builds up to a final act that’s dramatic and enthralling.
Like The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea, Wolfwalkers is worthy of Academy Award consideration. It’s an enchanting tale with high stakes for its young protagonist with her most valued relationships on the line. It all amounts to a phenomenal animated experience. Watch Wolfwalkers. Actually though, it's for your own good.
Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 1 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 2 | What does this mean?