Wildwood (2026) 

(dir. Travis Knight)

Fathom Entertainment

By: Tarek Fayoumi

Wildwood, The Impassible Forest is a Place of Wonders:

From Laika and Fathom Entertainment, this is Wildwood. Directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings, Bumblebee), he brings audiences into an animated forest that is magnificent in Wildwood. That magical place in the film is called The Impassible Forest. Wildwood is a meticulously detailed  animated adventure set in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The story follows Prue, an adventurous teenager who roams the many parks surrounding her home. She is voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee (Stumptown, Prom Pact). Her infant brother is taken away by birds because a lady Governess named Alexandra is destined to feel like she has a son she once lost. Alexandra is voiced by Carrey Mulligan (Never Let Me Go, Wildlife). Prue’s parents tell her that the forest is treacherous, however she must get her brother back. Wildwood is a rollercoaster in which Prue’s search for her brother opens many doors in a unique forest. The mesmerizing stop-motion woodland adventure includes moving trees, talking animals, and  countless magical creatures all in support of Prue’s journey to save her brother from Alexandra, a worthy antagonist.

A Forest that is Visually Stunning:

As Prue navigates the forests, the film links to many tales that weigh the balance between good and evil, Prue’s revelations are mind-boggling. She realizes that parts of her can be magic and therefore be used to help her quest to save her brother. Prue is joined by Curtis, voiced by Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder). The duo enter the  forest together, but their paths must veer in  different directions. Wildwood becomes  a two-sided adventure as Prue climbs trees, Curtis stumbles around on bicycles (with and without Prue), and there are hidden clues as to why Prue’s baby brother has been taken. The steps to getting him back are magical, but also risky. Prue has the chance to utilize magic. She learns about her family and the reasons for her brother’s kidnapping, she realizes there is a part of her that has a chance to restore what is missing in her own life. Not just that her brother is missing, but the revelation of what the secret is within own family and The Impassible Forest. Wildwood is a ride of colors that continue to feel deeper and increasingly empathetic with magical emphasis to detail.

Target Score 9.5/10

Wildwood, a project six years in the making, is  distributed by Fathom Entertainment. Travis Knight’s fantasy adventure is one that cannot be missed. This thrilling ride takes magic and fairytales seriously. It feels like a revelation of a film that will be remembered for ages.