If my memory serves me right, it was an elaborate Tumblr post in 2020 that made a very strong case for watching this movie. Such a strong case even, that in the past few years I occasionally went out of my way to try and find a way to watch it. Without success, it seems, till Robin finally provided me with a solution this year (2025 for those from the future).

Honestly, Wolfwalkers deserves every recommendation. The animation in this movie is truly enchanting and unlike anything I’ve seen before. At times you can almost see how everything was drawn -the different pencil strokes and sketch lines included – and painted, and how much work the animators put into it. It isn’t smooth, but at the same time extremely smooth. Frankly, I’m not knowledgeable enough about animation techniques to do it justice. All I can say is that its art style very much suits the fairy tale vibes of Wolfwalkers, and left me perplexed.

The story of Wolfwalkers isn’t too complex, but very well executed (disregarding some few minor pacing choices). I felt for the characters and it took me some time to fully grasp where the story was going precisely. The narrative especially shines in its themes, specifically the dichtomy between societal norms and personal freedom and nature. These themes work on multiple levels (just like in real life!) and are thus not only reflected in Robyn and her struggle to adjust to her new restricted life, but also to how the English (yup, they’re at it again) impose their culture and religion on the Irish people and nature itself.

All of the above, combined with a equally strong soundtrack, ensured that Wolfwalkers has made its way into my heart. Hopefully, this review can act in a similiar way to you as a certain Tumblr post once did for me. Wolfwalkers is a true piece of art with a lot of love behind it. That is a rare thing to come across.