Almost 100% positive reviews. What is the new tale from the studio “Coralina”

October 23 in the United States and the United Kingdom started the rental of animated fantasy “Witch forest” (Wildwood) American studio Laika. At the time of writing, the film received 100% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes based on 85 critical reviews. The audience rating was 98%. This is the highest figure in the history of the studio, known for the animated film “Coralina in Nightmare Land”.

What about the cartoon "Witch Forest"

12-year-old Prue McKeal goes with a classmate to a mysterious forest to save his younger brother, kidnapped by a pack of crows. There they discover a magical world populated by talking animals and fantastic creatures. Prue is also embroiled in a fight for his future - she must unite the good people and animals of this country to defeat the villains and save her brother.

What is the peculiarity of the “Witch Forest”

The duration of the cartoon is 132 minutes, this is the longest full-length film created in the technique of frame-by-frame puppet animation. According to the AP, more than 142,000 variants of doll faces were printed for the picture, and 3,800 feathers were made for one giant eagle.

According to director Travis Knight, the project took 16 years to complete. The studio gradually developed the technology needed for such a large-scale film. Knight opposes the use of generative AI. In an interview with Variety, he stressed that technology is useful when it "helps amplify an artist's voice," but useless when it replaces it.

Why critics praised the film

The world premiere of “Witch Forest” took place on October 11 at the London Film Festival BFI. The first reviews were mostly enthusiastic.

The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a "simultaneously technical and emotional triumph" for the studio, and the Variety columnist also noted the combination of technical prowess and fascinating plot.

At the same time, some observers drew attention to the shortcomings of the script. The Guardian praised the visual style of the picture, but noted that the story is inferior to Coralina in tension and does not always convincingly explain the actions of the characters. The AP gave the film 2.5 stars out of four, noting that "technology trumps plot.".

Why “Witch Forest” isn’t just for kids

“Witch Forest” is Laika’s first job to receive a 13+ age rating in the United States. It was appropriated for violent scenes, bloody images and heavy themes. The film, despite the fabulous plot, touches on the theme of loss. Director Travis Knight said that the subject of loss has a personal meaning for him, he survived the death of his brother. AP calls Wild Forest a film "riddled with grief and adventure"

As Variety notes, the cartoon reflects a broader trend in the industry - animation creators are increasingly turning to complex plots, including those designed for an adult audience.

When "Witch Forest" will be released in Russia

In Russia, the premiere of “Witch Forest” is scheduled for December 3, 2026. The distributor is the company "Atmosphere of cinema".