Shadows on the Wall | Wendell & Wild

Wendell & Wild

Review by Rich Cline | MUST SEE

dir Henry Selick
scr Henry Selick, Jordan Peele
prd Henry Selick, Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld
voices Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Angela Bassett, Ving Rhames, Sam Zelaya, James Hong, Maxine Peake, David Harewood, Tamara Smart, Natalie Martinez, Igal Naor
release US/UK 28.Oct.22
22/US Netflix 1h45

TORONTO FILM FEST

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Fabulously animated with inventive designs and a properly bonkers story, this nutty demonic tale is smart, creepy and very funny, a terrific Halloween treat. Filmmakers Henry Selick and Jordan Peele make a formidable team, creating original imagery along with a story that inventively catches viewers by surprise with resonant emotional and topical touches. It's too violent and dark for young children, but has the makings of a cult classic.

After her parents death, Kat (Ross) is lured into crime by her own personal demons, troublemaker siblings Wendell and Wild (Key and Peele). Released from detention, the now 13-year-old Kat has a chance to start over at an elite school, and she immediately impresses her classmates with her rebel ways and prescient gifts, winning over the popular girls as well as bullied Raul (Zelaya). Then Wendell and Wild lure her into a scam to undermine their blowhard devil boss Belzer (Rhames), escape the underworld and create a theme park. Which involves raising an undead army.

Riotously energetic, the film is infused with a camp rock-n-roll attitude that echoes Kat's punk aesthetic and also the graffiti art Raul paints on the sides of abandoned buildings around this dying Rust Belt town. And the surrounding characters are hilarious, each one up to something. Kat's teacher Sister Helley (Bassett) understands her demonic connection and wants to help. And Father Bests (Hong) lets the fact that he's undead go to his head, jumping in to collaborate with cruel corporate bosses Irmgard and Lane (Peake and Harewood).

The mix of stop-motion and digital animation is dazzling, with gloriously detailed sets and characters that bristle with life and personality, echoing the facial features of the sparky voice actors. Along with expertly staged action set-pieces, witty visual and verbal gags abound, including sophisticated jokes for grown-ups, and the child inside us. Yes, the kids will especially enjoy the more disgusting touches, from freaky bugs to a whole range of slimy goo.

Amid various scrapes and adventures, the film mixes spooky nastiness with amusing character-based comedy. Indeed, the zombie and demonic elements are played largely for laughs. But there are strongly serious themes underlying the story, from how the blue-collar town has been strangled by corporate scheming to Kat's internalised journey as she is forced to face her past and grapple with her inner rage, grief and guilt. These things make the film feel indelible. And stick around for some credit-roll fun and a knowing final sting.

themes, language, violence 25.Oct.22

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