Laika's 'Wildwood' Echoes 'Coraline' with a Dark Forest Tale
A Journey into the Enchanted Unknown
The Genesis of Laika's Animated World
Founded in 2009, Laika, a Portland-based stop-motion animation studio, made its grand debut with "Coraline." This highly praised adaptation of Neil Gaiman's dark fairy tale captivated audiences with its unsettling narrative about a young girl who uncovers an alternate reality where a sinister version of her mother seeks to entrap her eternally. "Wildwood," the studio's latest offering, signals a return to these beloved roots, promising a chilling story that blends elements from "Coraline" and Jim Henson's iconic 1986 musical, "Labyrinth."
Unveiling the Mysterious Realm of Wildwood
The recently released trailer for "Wildwood," accompanied by a hauntingly slowed rendition of Avicii's "Wake Me Up," introduces viewers to Alexandra (voiced by Carey Mulligan), the enigmatic sovereign of an enchanted forest bordering Portland. Driven by the tragic loss of her own child, Alexandra's desperation leads her to dispatch a flock of crows to abduct an infant from a city park. This act propels Prue McKeel (Peyton Elizabeth Lee) and her classmate Curtis Mehlberg (Jacob Tremblay) into the treacherous depths of the woods. Their perilous journey is undertaken with the singular goal of rescuing Prue's brother, Mac, as they seek assistance to confront Alexandra and her formidable wolf army.
Echoes of Classic Fairy Tales
The thematic underpinnings of "Wildwood" resonate strongly with "Labyrinth," where a young girl embarks on a quest into a magical domain to retrieve her infant brother, who was spirited away by the Goblin King after she, in a moment of frustration, wished for his disappearance. Similarly, "Pan's Labyrinth" explored a fairy tale structure where a faun instructs a girl to spill her baby brother's blood to unlock a portal to a world where she could become a princess. An earlier teaser for "Wildwood" hinted at Prue's parents warning her against taking her brother outdoors, suggesting their awareness of his origins within the enchanted forest and their attempts to shield him from Alexandra's influence.
Confronting Tyrannical Figures: A Recurring Motif
Beyond their shared animation style, both "Coraline" and "Wildwood" feature young female protagonists who must contend with oppressive maternal figures. Coraline found assistance in a cat and her young neighbor. While Curtis accompanies Prue into the woods, his experience appears far less fortunate. As Prue forges alliances and even rides a colossal eagle, Curtis is depicted in the uniform of one of Alexandra's soldiers, confined within a cage, highlighting the divergent paths and challenges faced by the companions.
The Creative Minds Behind Wildwood
"Wildwood" is helmed by director Travis Knight and penned by Chris Butler. This creative duo previously collaborated on Laika's 2016 film, "Kubo and the Two Strings," another family-oriented fairy tale that centered on a young boy's quest for his missing samurai father. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring the vocal talents of Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, and Charlie Day. "Wildwood" is scheduled for release on October 23rd through Fathom Entertainment.
