Wildwood is a movie I’d happily watch again, mostly for what’s on screen rather than the story holding it together.
It looks fantastic. This is claymation, and I could not get over the hair. Watching it ripple in the wind, knowing every tiny shift was done by hand, was captivating. The sets are so packed with detail that you could watch several times and still catch something new. Every frame carries the painstaking work of incredible artists, and you feel it.
Portland locals are in for a treat. The film is stuffed with hometown Easter eggs: the bookstore, the donut shop, the food truck village, and more. Spotting them felt like a wink from someone who actually knows the city.
The voice acting is strong, and the characters move with a natural flow. That’s no small feat when everything is built one frame at a time.
The story is where it stumbles. I walked out with questions. Why the coyotes? What’s the deal with the ivy? How long has this place been cut off from the rest of civilization? The script needed more explanation and another pass. When the world is this carefully made, the plot gaps stand out even more.
Parents, take note: this one is a little more mature. Some scenes could frighten really young kids, so it’s better suited to older children and adults.
None of that ruins the experience. It’s still a good watch; the writing just doesn’t live up to the craftsmanship. If you love handmade animation or call Portland home, this is an easy recommendation.
