A quiet day turns extraordinary for Prue when her baby brother is whisked away by crows into the Impassable Wilderness. With her classmate Curtis, Prue embarks on an epic quest through this enigmatic forest where animals thrive in a well-organized society. Their journey forms the core of Colin Meloy’s young adult novel, Wildwood, soon to illuminate the big screen.
The expertise behind the adaptation
The upcoming feature film, based on Meloy’s original narrative, is brought to life with illustrations by Carson Ellis. Ellis, the artistic force behind The Decemberists’ visual identity, lends her unique touch to the film’s aesthetic. Directed by the adept Travis Knight, the adaptation finds its home at Portland-based LAIKA Studios. Known for masterpieces like The Boxtrolls and Coraline, LAIKA blends handcrafted puppets and sets with state-of-the-art CGI for a visually stunning experience.
Animating a magical realm
LAIKA’s detail-oriented artists dedicated countless hours studying avian traits to perfect the Avian Principality, where Owl Rex reigns as crown prince. This dedication to realism elevates the animation’s authenticity and charm.
The studio’s philosophy echoes in their behind-the-scenes featurettes: “Performance starts with observation.” An impressive ensemble cast, including Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, and Angela Bassett, voice the film’s characters, adding depth to its narrative tapestry.
The anticipation and what’s next
Fans eagerly await the release, with the trailer already sparking excitement. The film debuts worldwide on October 23. If animation intrigues you, a dive into the making of LAIKA’s Kubo and the Two Strings may also be worthwhile.
Sources & Links
Source: thisiscolossal.com