Wendell & Wild
Parents say
Based on 5 reviews
Kids say
Based on 14 reviews
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Wendell & Wild
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Wendell & Wild is an eerie stop-motion animation film from Henry Selick and Jordan Peele about a teen girl named Kat (voiced by Lyric Ross) who makes a deal with demons in hopes of bringing her dead parents back to life. It definitely has a creepy vibe -- director Selick also made Coraline -- with scary, intense situations, including the car crash that killed Kat's mom and dad. There's cold-blooded murder, corpses, and some pretty gross imagery, as well as a bit of language ("crap," "hell," "bloody," etc.). The film explores the effects of grief and shame from a supernatural perspective, which could make those tricky topics easier to talk about with kids. It also emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, courage, and teamwork and features excellent representation in terms of both race and gender identity.
What's the Story?
WENDELL & WILD is a stop-motion animated film about teenage Kat (voiced Lyric Ross), who lost her parents at an early age in a tragic crash. Her grief and shame about the circumstances of their death contribute to a troubled life that leads to her being sent to a bleak girls' school in hopes of being "reformed." But it's there that she learns of her destiny as a Hell Maiden and summons Wendell (Keegan-Michael Key) and Wild (Jordan Peele), two mischievous demons who promise that they can give her what she most desires.
Is It Any Good?
This fantastic film is as heartfelt as it is scary. It's perfect for the Halloween season, but it can really be viewed at any time, since its messages about grief and the courage to overcome your demons -- real or otherwise -- are relatable to all.
The film (which, as Monkeypaw Productions' first animated film, marks a creative expansion for Peele's storytelling empire) features exceptional voice talent, including Ross as main character Kat and Angela Bassett as her imposing teacher/mentor, Sister Helley. Overall, the casting lives up to Monkeypaw's mission of boosting diversity in Hollywood films, featuring authentically cast stars like James Hong, Tamara Smart, Sam Zelaya, Ving Rhames, Tantoo Cardinal, and more. The result is a film that gives people of color dignity and agency. The film's plot takes a while to set up, which may enthrall some viewers and aggravate others. But overall, Wendell & Wild is a must-see for fans of Peele's work and for fans of animation and terrific storytelling overall.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about grief. How does Kat process her grief in Wendell & Wild? Is it healthy? Why, or why not? How does she learn to overcome her shame surrounding her parents' death?
What parts of the movie did you find scary? How much scary stuff is OK for kids?
What makes the film a stand-out in terms of racial and gender representation? Why is positive representation in the media important?
What are Wendell and Wild's motivations? Are they inherently evil?
How do characters demonstrate empathy, compassion, teamwork, and courage?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 21, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: October 28, 2022
- Cast: Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele
- Director: Henry Selick
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Character Strengths: Compassion, Courage, Empathy, Teamwork
- Run time: 105 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: some thematic material, violence, substance use and brief strong language
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: January 16, 2023
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