Review: Wolfwalkers

Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon are starting to become a big favourite within its genre and are challenging other studios such as Aardman Animation, Laika, Studio Ghibli, Pixar and Disney in relation to high quality animation and story-telling.

So far, we have had nothing but great features from them such as The Secret Of The Kells and the Oscar nominated films Song Of The Sea and The Breadwinner.

Now, it's back to Ireland with folklore adventure stories for the studios fourth project.

From the first minute I felt instantly at ease, knowing I was in safe hands and ready for an entertaining story. The hand-drawn animation is so pleasing and comforting that the entire duration was an incredibly relaxing experience.

The themes of love and loss and the separation of our connection with nature made it an enchanting and gripping story. As the film went on, the animation almost manages to evolve as well. The shapes and symmetrical look it has as well as the choice of colours really shows you why Cartoon Saloon is standing out from other animation studios.

The voice work is very good all across the board. Honor Kneafsey and Eva Whittaker did a great job as the two main characters and showed great natural chemistry. Sean Bean is instantly recognisable with his voice and supported the story well. Another voice work that was recognisable and done well cast was Simon McBurney, who always fits the bill well as a villain.

Also, the score by Bruno Coulais fits the period perfectly and really soothes you. It will certainly be a score that I'll listen to multiple times over the next few years at least.

But the star of the show is the animation. Every frame was a pure feast for the eyes. The entire animation department should be so proud of themselves as this is probably the best looking film from this studio.

There was only gripe that I was having towards the end and that was not feeling a great deal of threat from the main antagonist. There were moments that reminded me of Claude Frollo from Disney's version of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame. But I rarely felt that character could compete with the protagonists.

Like with all of Cartoon Saloon's previous films, this just warms the heart so well. The story is well structured and developed, the themes are universal and relatable, the characters are engaging, the score is satisfying and the animation is absolutely glorious.

It's a completely satisfying  and reassuring viewing experience for all the family and it is one of those films almost cleanses you of all of your negative vibes which is lovely story.

I don't think it's the complete package that Song Of The Sea was. As mentioned before, I felt the villain wasn't strong enough to be a big of a threat to our protagonists. But it is still a film that I would highly recommend, especially if you're feeling down.

Rating: 8/10