Laika’s stop-motion fantasy Wildwood looks so smooth

At the forefront of stop-motion animation, Laika continues to redefine the medium with its upcoming feature Wildwood, set for release on October 23. Renowned for previously acclaimed works such as ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls, and Kubo and the Two Strings, the studio has outdone itself by integrating groundbreaking techniques that bring unprecedented realism to this new fantasy tale.

During the recent Toronto International Film Festival, select scenes from Wildwood were showcased along with insights from Laika’s creative team. The film follows a young girl, Prue, as she navigates an enchanted wilderness adjacent to Portland while searching for her lost brother. Early footage impressed with its dynamic sequences, including a high-speed bike chase and aerial views atop a giant bird, all rendered with a fluidity that blurs the line between stop-motion and live-action cinema.

Central to Wildwood’s innovative look is the studio’s use of advanced puppetry technology. Unlike earlier productions, each of the major characters is equipped with an internal mechanism dubbed a “breather,” which simulates natural breathing movements, lending a subtle humanity absent in prior stop-motion efforts. This refinement originated in Laika’s 2019 film Missing Link but has been expanded here to enhance character expressiveness across the board.

The animation process itself has also evolved. Utilizing digital cameras paired with real-time frame-grabbing technology, animators can instantly review every frame they capture. This immediate feedback loop eliminates unnecessary stutter in motion, allowing for meticulously smooth puppet articulation. Brad Schiff, Laika’s head of animation, describes this phase as an evolution in the art form, enabling a level of precision and polish not previously achievable.

Wildwood’s production was an immense undertaking: 233 individual puppets were created, including 36 variations of the protagonist Prue to capture different expressions and movements. The film’s animation team spanned 49 artists working over a span of approximately 231 weeks, reflecting the complexity and dedication involved.

Beyond the technical advancements, Wildwood maintains Laika’s signature storytelling style—a blend of imaginative world-building and emotional depth. The film’s narrative intertwines fantasy elements with relatable themes of family, courage, and resilience.

Alongside Wildwood, the festival also highlighted diverse animated narratives, such as Julián from Irish studio Cartoon Saloon. This film explores themes of identity and acceptance through the story of a young boy who embraces his passion for mermaids against familial and social pressures. Julián’s aesthetic and heartfelt storytelling continue Cartoon Saloon’s tradition of rich, character-driven animation.

In a stark tonal contrast, the musical Stuffed presented a macabre yet tender exploration of mortality and legacy. Centered on an eccentric taxidermist and a man seeking immortality, the film employs dark humor and emotional nuance, demonstrating animation’s capacity to tackle unconventional subjects.

Together, these films underscore a vibrant year for animated storytelling, with studios pushing technical and thematic boundaries. Laika’s Wildwood, in particular, exemplifies how meticulous craftsmanship and innovative technology can elevate stop-motion animation, promising audiences a visually striking and emotionally engaging experience come October.