Anthomaton Assesses Wolfwalkers

Howdy guys, Anthomaton here. Today I shall review a movie that gave Soul a run for its money: Wolfwalkers.

Wolfwalkers is a 2020 animated film produced by Cartoon Saloon, an animation studio based in Ireland. It was directed and written by Tomm Moore. He is the man behind other critically acclaimed work such as Secret of Kells (2009) and Song of the Sea (2014). As a fan of American animation, you might be wondering why I am reviewing a foreign based film. Well, the movie was released digitally on Apple TV+ on December 11, after its initial releases in European countries like Ireland, United Kingdom, Canada, and France. This is the first full length animated feature to be released on the streaming service. It was co-produced and co-released in the United States, so it counts. It received widespread universal acclaim from critics, who praised the animation, emotional depth, performances and characters.

In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the “Wolfwalkers” and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.

The story is very well conceived, and takes full advantage of its Irish lore. If you’re looking for a film that spoon feeds you all of the plot lines in the first act of the film, don’t come to this parade. This film knows how to keep your interest in a visual way. As the audience, we uncovered more and more information about this fantastical environment of the wolfwalkers and there is a big twist that will not only change Robyn’s perspective on the wolves, but also her father’s. This may not be the first time that this story line has been presented, but it’s told in such a way that fully conveys the message in a pleasing fashion.

The animation is absolutely gorgeous. I can’t tell you how sick and tired I am of the lack of hand drawn animated films being produced in the homeland. So when a traditionally animated film actually comes to domestic audiences, it serves as a reminder that CGI is not the only form of this great storytelling medium. One of my favorite parts is when after Robyn has had something eyebrow-raising happen to her, the animation turns more sketch-like and has a great flow of colors and textures. The overall style of the film is unique as the background has a distinctive color transition to greys and browns from the greens and yellows featured in the foreground. Plus, the characters drawn with great personality and every character can emote in a wide variety of ways. The big animation studios should be watching this and learn that transition animation is not out by the waist side.

The characters of the story are truly what make you care about everything that is taking place in this harsher environment. There is Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter and Bill’s daughter who aspires to kill some wolves until she has a change of mind. There’s Mebh Óg MacTíre, an adventurous wolfwalker and Moll’s daughter who befriends Robyn. Bill Goodfellowe (voiced by Sean Bean), a hunter and Robyn’s father who has orders to kill ever last wolf that resides in the nearby forest to cultivate more farmland. He is my favorite character of the film because he could have been the generic parent who is overbearing on their child and doesn’t see for who they are until the end of the movie, but he is actually caring and even emotionally frail as he only denies Robyn of her wishes because they will not survive in this society if they don’t perform their given duties. There’s Oliver Cromwell, “The Lord Protector” of the land and the villain of the film who won’t stop at anything to destroy the wolves. There’s Moll MacTíre, a wolfwalker, the leader of the wolf pack and Mebh’s mother. She was previously captured by the Kilkenny military and it’s up to Mebh and Robyn to set her free. And then there is Seán Óg Woodcutter, a woodcutter who believes in the existence of the wolfwalkers after they heal him. 

As someone who loves traditional hand drawn animation, it is very refreshing to see it done extremely well in the modern day. Along with the animation, the film also features great characters and a story full of intriguing Irish lore. If you don’t have Apple TV+, start your subscription because it’s worth it to see this movie.

Score:

8/10