Laika studio releases stop-motion epic Wildwood

Laika, the Portland-based stop-motion animation studio, has released its sixth feature film, ‘Wildwood’. Directed by Travis Knight and adapted from the novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, the film follows a teenager named Prue McKeel as she enters an enchanted forest to rescue her kidnapped brother.

The production is noted for its immense scale, involving approximately 142,000 puppets and 132 handcrafted sets. Early critical reception has been highly positive, with the film maintaining a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 98% audience score following early screenings. Some reviewers have described it as a masterpiece of the medium and one of the highest-rated animated features of the decade.

To support the film's release, the ‘Wildwood Sessions’ music collection features original songs from various indie artists, including Portugal. The Man, The Decemberists, and Aminé. The film’s release follows a long development period, marking the studio's first major feature in seven years.