Wolfwalkers is an animated fantasy film released in 2020. The film was created and directed by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart.
Tomm Moore is an Irish animator, filmmaker, illustrator, and comic artist. He co-founded Cartoon Saloon with Nora Twomey and Paul Young. Wolfwalkers is part of his three series film “Irish Folklore Trilogy”, the first movie was The Secret of Kells (2009), followed by Song of the Sea (2014), and finishing up with Wolfwalkers (2020).
The film follows the story of Robyn Goodfellowe, the daughter and apprentice of a hunter, who arrives in Ireland. The story is sited during a time in which the world is trying to leave behind magic and superstition. This effort to wipe out magic results in the extermination of a wolf pack, that turns out to be werewolves or in this case, wolfwalkers. As Robyn tries to prove to her father that she is ready to be a hunter, she encounters a wild girl, Mebh, outside the city walls. Mebh, who seems to be part of a tribe that can turn into wolves, is looking for her missing mother, who disappeared some time ago. As Robyn discovers this new magical world and explores her friendship with Mebh, her father is tasked with destroying the magical world Robyn is learning to love.
The voice work in the movie it’s fantastic with Honor Kneafsey, Eva Whittaker, Sean Bean, Simon McBurney, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Tommy Tiernan, Jon Kenny, and John Morton at the helm. However, one of the most notable things about this film is the animation, which is so unique and expressive that brings life and character to both the places and the people. Most of all, it helps the storyline and the narrative be told through the unique lenses of the animation.
The core of the movie centers around family dynamics and relationships and the found family that can be built if you are not afraid to know and understand those who are different from you. The movie makes sure you understand both the wolfwalkers and those you are afraid of them, yet, it makes a stand, stating from the beginning that people’s refusal for understanding and empathy can not be justified.
