Laika’s latest stop-motion feature, "Wildwood," offers a visually rich and immersive fantasy adventure that showcases the studio’s continued growth in craftsmanship and storytelling ambition. Released recently, the film is adapted by Chris Butler from Colin Meloy’s 2011 novel of the same name. Meloy, known as the frontman for the indie rock band the Decemberists, also contributed original music to the film. The story is complemented by illustrations from Carson Ellis, which inspired the film’s distinctive aesthetic.

Set against the backdrop of Portland, Oregon, where Laika is based, "Wildwood" follows the journey of Prue, a courageous teenager voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee. When her baby brother Mac is taken by a flock of ominous crows during a bike ride in their eclectic downtown neighborhood, Prue ventures into the mystical "Impassable Wilderness" to rescue him. She is joined by Curtis, her resourceful and earnest classmate, voiced by Jacob Tremblay. Their quest leads them into a sprawling, enchanted forest inhabited by a variety of fantastical characters and embroiled in a power struggle between rival factions.

The film’s central conflict revolves around a looming battle for control of the forest. The antagonist, Alexandra, a determined and dangerous Dowager Governess portrayed by Carey Mulligan, commands a pack of militaristic coyotes voiced by Tom Waits, Charlie Day, and others. They face opposition from several groups, including a band of bandits led by Mahershala Ali’s Brendan, an Avian Principality headed by the majestic eagle General (voiced by Angela Bassett) and the wise Owl Rex (Richard E. Grant), as well as the politically savvy bureaucrats of South Wood, who operate from the imposing Pittock Mansion with voices by Jemaine Clement and Marc Evan Jackson.

Throughout their adventure, Prue and Curtis encounter a broad cast of characters, such as the resourceful rat Septima (Awkwafina), the brave bandit Niamh (Amandla Stenberg), the mystical elder Iphigenia (Tantoo Cardinal), and a beleaguered postmaster voiced by Len Cariou. The film’s voice performances blend seamlessly with the meticulously crafted stop-motion puppetry—233 puppets and 132 practical sets were used in production—bringing life to this elaborate fantasy world. The visual effects, created in collaboration with New Zealand’s Weta FX, enhance the film’s immersive natural and magical environments.

At over two hours, "Wildwood" is lengthier than the average animated feature and maintains a brisk pace, although some narrative transitions feel rushed or underexplained within the dense plot. The film includes scenes of significant violence and intense conflict, justifying its PG-13 rating and possibly limiting its accessibility to younger viewers. Despite these complexities, the film’s blend of innovative artistry, imaginative storytelling, and a richly layered setting makes it a noteworthy example of modern stop-motion animation.

Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, known for his work on "The Right Stuff" and "The Natural," contributes to the film’s striking visual presentation, while Laika’s team of 49 animators painstakingly crafted each frame to create this vivid and compelling tale. "Wildwood" stands out as a bold addition to the genre of portal fantasy, inviting audiences into a deeply inventive and thrilling new world.