Wildwood

Form and function are in perfect harmony in Wildwood, a rousing animated epic that raises the bar for its particular cinematic art form.

The breathtaking stop-motion visuals feature vibrant colors and meticulous detail that vividly immerses us in its fantasy landscape. And the fairy-tale story reimagines familiar coming-of-age themes in ways are gently amusing, then darker and more foreboding.

Destined to resonate with children and adults alike, the film promotes a healthy sense of imagination and adventure while remaining emotionally grounded in family and humanity.

It’s set in Oregon, starting as a love letter to the state’s mix of lush forests and charming eccentricities. That’s where we meet Prue (voiced by Peyton Elizabeth Lee), a precocious middle schooler whose baby brother is abducted on her watch by crows.

That sends her and a timid classmate (Jacob Tremblay) on a perilous trek outside the city and into the Wilderness, a fragile ecosystem where she discovers humans and beasts engaged in a mighty power struggle. “I don’t know if this is terrifying or adorable,” she eventually questions. Of course, both can be true.

Unfortunately, one of Prue’s first encounters is with the likely perpetrator, a grieving dowager governess (Carey Mulligan) holding a grudge, and her loyal army of coyotes.

However, Prue is resilient and resourceful, and determined to help bring together various species in a quest to restore peace and order to the kingdom, and eventually, return home to unite her own family.

A climactic large-scale battle sequences showcases both the grand scope and the painstaking level of craftsmanship in the film’s animation.

The screenplay by frequent Knight collaborator Chris Butler, adapted from a Colin Meloy novel, overdoses on platitudes and philosophical musings before kicking into gear in the second half.

Youngsters will likely be drawn to the courageous heroine and the array of anthropomorphic creatures. Lessons about conservation, coexistence, acceptance, and teamwork are conveyed without heavy-handed lecturing.

Still, the film strikes an agreeable balance for adults with its intricate world-building and its more mature examination of sociopolitical conflict and parental responsibility. Then there’s the spirited voice cast that includes Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Tom Waits, Awkwafina, and Blythe Danner.

Despite a few too many twists and narrative detours, Wildwood is a crowd-pleasing and gorgeously ambitious big swing that doesn’t allow style to overwhelm substance.

Rated PG-13, 132 minutes.