The Wolfwalkers is as ecologically sensitive as it is artistically striking.
Set in 16th-century Ireland, the film weaves together a tale of human-wildlife conflict, colonization, and the Irish mythology of werewolves.
The story unfolds at a time that loosely marks the early modern period of human history. It was a period of scientific curiosity, superstition, and expanding settlements.
Many lands were hunted clean of their apex predators to protect human habitats. Destroying entire ecosystems and genealogies. The story of Yellowstone’s wolves is a well-known example.
In the film, an expanding town finds itself at odds with the surrounding woods and the wolves that inhabit it. The town’s ruler vows to civilize the barbaric land and remove its wolves – a sentiment that echoes the colonial mindset seen throughout history.
The daughter (Robyn) of the man the ruler appoints to wipe out the wolf pack comes in contact with a native girl (Mebh) who miraculously heals Robyn’s injured bird. Soon their friendship blossoms, and she ends up learning about the world of wolfwalkers. Ultimately, Robyn’s father finds his daughter on the side of the enemy he was hired to end.
As the story progresses, the townsfolk realize that the myth of wolfwalkers is more than just bedtime stories. The people find themselves confronting an intelligent being (animal) living in symbiosis with the forest.
Amidst the central conflict, we also see a tender story of friendship and parent-child bonds unfold.
The plot itself is simple and somewhat predictable, and so what elevates Wolfwalker is its art.
The film blends woodcut and Celtic art styles, all hand-painted in 2D, and an imaginative first-person point of view called the “Wolf Vision’ created using 3D tools.
The art styles have been used to create symbolism in the film.
For instance, the town is painted in a woodcut art style with hard geometric lines and shapes, depicting cold confinement.
On the other hand, the forest and its creatures have been drawn using the flowing and fluid Celtic art. Representing emotion, vibrancy, and life.
A detail, I’ll admit, I did not notice in my first viewing. I only realized it when working on the review, which made me appreciate the film even more.
Even the character design evolves. As their affiliation with the forest increases, the art style they were drawn with changes from woodcut to Celtic. Softer lines, vibrant colors.
The mythical atmosphere of the film is deepened by its ethereal background score, and the theme song “I Am Running with the Wolves” by Aurora is likely to end up on your playlist.
Director Tomm Moore has co-directed Wolfwalker with Ross Stewart, and it’s his third film in his Irish mythology trilogy.
The previous two films, “The Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells”, are both Academy Award nominees.
Wolfwalker itself has received around 65 nominations and won 33 awards in total. It received multiple nominations for Best Animated Feature Film, even an Academy Award nomination.
If you enjoy Wolfwalker, you will likely appreciate the other two films as well. I intend to watch both of them. The Secret of Kells is currently available for free on YouTube.
All three films feel like the result of genuine artistry and passion.
I think they’re perfect for family holidays, quiet evenings, or anyone craving a beautifully crafted, unconventional animated adventure.
P.S. For more recommendations, visit the Soulo Blog. The December Reflection and January Momentum pieces are live now. If you need inspiration to stay committed to your New Year’s resolutions, those articles are a great place to start.
