Wolfwalkers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A girl gets bitten by a magical wolf-person and now she and her dad have to move to Canada to live with the rest of the wolf-people, source: Original

🍿 Wolfwalkers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in Kilkenny and Initial Conflict

In 1650 Ireland, Robyn Goodfellowe, a young apprentice hunter, arrives in Kilkenny with her father, Bill, tasked with exterminating the local wolf population under the orders of the Lord Protector. Robyn yearns to be a wolf hunter like her father, but she’s confined to domestic chores. This sets the stage for her rebellion and desire for adventure. During one of her forbidden excursions outside the city walls, Robyn encounters a mysterious girl named Mebh, who has the ability to transform into a wolf. This encounter challenges Robyn’s preconceived notions about wolves and sparks her curiosity about the wild and untamed world beyond the city.

Becoming a Wolfwalker

While helping a shepherd, Robyn accidentally injures her falcon, Merlin, and sees Mebh taking Merlin into the woods. Following her, Robyn is bitten by Mebh in wolf form, leading to her own transformation into a Wolfwalker. This transformation allows Robyn to experience the world from a wolf’s perspective, heightening her senses and deepening her connection to nature. As Robyn gets accustomed to her new wolf form, she learns more about Mebh and her missing mother, Moll, who is also a Wolfwalker and the leader of the wolf pack. They bond over their shared longing for freedom and their growing understanding of the conflict between the townspeople and the wolves.

Conflict and Imprisonment

Robyn discovers that the Lord Protector has captured Moll, Mebh’s mother. While trying to free Moll, Robyn’s actions are misinterpreted, leading to conflict with both her father and the Lord Protector. The Lord Protector sees the wolves and Wolfwalkers as a threat to his authority and his vision of a tamed and controlled Ireland. Mebh, determined to rescue her mother, infiltrates Kilkenny and confronts the Lord Protector, but is ultimately unsuccessful. This sets the stage for a larger conflict between the wolves and the town, fueled by fear, misunderstanding, and the Lord Protector’s relentless pursuit of control.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Robyn Goodfellowe (Honor Kneafsey): A young English apprentice hunter who befriends a Wolfwalker and discovers the magic and freedom of the wolf world.
• Mebh Óg MacTíre (Eva Whittaker): A free-spirited Wolfwalker girl who introduces Robyn to her world and the connection with wolves.
• Bill Goodfellowe (Sean Bean): Robyn’s father, a wolf hunter who struggles with his duty and his love for his daughter.
• Moll MacTíre (Maria Doyle Kennedy): Mebh’s mother and a powerful Wolfwalker who is searching for a new home for her pack.
• Lord Protector (Simon McBurney): The tyrannical leader who is determined to destroy the wolves and control the land.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mebh: “We’re not tame!” – Mebh asserts her wild nature and the freedom of the Wolfwalkers when confronted with the attempts to control them.
• Robyn: “I’m not afraid of you!” – Robyn shouts this to a wolf, showing her initial bravado before her transformation and growing friendship with Mebh.
• Lord Protector: “These woods will be tamed, by God’s will!” – The Lord Protector expresses his desire to control nature and eradicate anything he deems unholy, emphasizing the film’s central conflict.
• Moll: “Listen to your heart, Robyn.” – Moll encourages Robyn to follow her own path and trust her instincts, reinforcing the film’s theme of self-discovery.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $12,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $1,310,720

💥 Wolfwalkers Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored Wolfwalkers! The animation style is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, like a living, breathing storybook. The scenes of Robyn and Mebh running as wolves were pure joy. It’s a movie that made me feel connected to nature and reminded me of the importance of standing up for what you believe in. I can’t wait to watch it again and again with my family!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of hand-drawn animation”
  • “Those interested in Irish folklore and mythology”
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming and thought-provoking film”
  • “Viewers who enjoy stories about environmentalism and cultural understanding”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence, including scenes of hunting and warfare”
  • “Themes of oppression and religious intolerance”
  • “Some scenes may be intense for very young children”

Professional Reviews

• Cartoon Brew: “Wolfwalkers is Cartoon Saloon’s most visually stunning and emotionally resonant film to date. The hand-drawn animation is breathtaking, and the story is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding.
• IndieWire: “A beautifully animated and deeply felt story about friendship, family, and the importance of protecting the natural world. The film is a visual feast, with a unique style that blends traditional and modern techniques.
• The Guardian: “A charming and visually inventive film that celebrates Irish folklore and the power of female friendship. The story is a bit predictable, but the animation and voice acting are top-notch.

Audience Reactions

The animation style is absolutely stunning and unique.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s distinctive hand-drawn animation and its ability to transport them to a magical world.

The film is emotionally resonant and has a strong message.: Many viewers found the film to be deeply moving and appreciated its themes of friendship, family, and environmentalism.

Overall Consensus: Wolfwalkers is a critically acclaimed animated film that is praised for its stunning visuals, emotional story, and strong message. It’s a must-see for fans of animation and anyone who appreciates a good story.

Awards

1. Annie Award (Best Independent Animated Feature)- 2021
2. AFI Fest (Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature)- 2020
3. Dublin Film Critics Circle Awards (Best Irish Film)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This is the third and final installment of Tomm Moore’s ‘Irish Folklore Trilogy’, following his previous films The Secret of Kells (2009) and Song of the Sea (2014).”
• “The directors mentioned that they originally considered naming the villain Oliver Cromwell, but changed it to ‘Lord Protector’ to give the villain a more towering folk lore/fairy tale presence.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wolfwalkers?

Wolfwalkers is exclusively available for streaming on Apple TV+. You can access it with an Apple TV+ subscription. Currently, there are no options to rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV (iTunes).

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wolfwalkers, you might like these similar films:

• Princess Mononoke (1997): Both films explore the conflict between humanity and nature, with a focus on mythical creatures and the importance of balance.
• The Secret of Kells (2009): Another animated film by Tomm Moore that delves into Irish mythology and features a distinct, visually stunning art style.
• Brave (2012): Features a strong female protagonist who defies expectations and connects with nature, ultimately challenging societal norms.
• How to Train Your Dragon (2010): Explores the bond between humans and mythical creatures, promoting understanding and coexistence over fear and destruction.

🛒 Wolfwalkers Related Products

• The Art of Wolfwalkers: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, featuring concept art, character designs, and interviews with the creators. This stunning book showcases the artistry and craftsmanship that went into creating the world of Wolfwalkers. Includes insight into the unique animation style and the inspiration behind the story.
• Wolfwalkers Movie Poster: This high-quality poster showcases the beautiful artwork from the movie, perfect for decorating any fan’s room. Featuring vibrant colors and intricate details, this poster brings the magic of Wolfwalkers to life. High quality paper ensures its lasting beauty and relevance for fans and collectors alike.
• Wolfwalkers Blu-Ray: Own the movie and experience the incredible animation and story at home. Includes bonus features such as behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and deleted scenes. The perfect way to relive the magic and share it with your family and friends.
• Wolfwalkers Inspired T-Shirt: Show off your fandom with a stylish Wolfwalkers T-shirt featuring unique designs and artwork from the movie. Made from high-quality material for comfort and durability. Makes a great gift for any fan of the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

Wolfwalkers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Running with the Wolves” – performed by Aurora
• “Wolfwalkers Theme” – performed by Bruno Coulais & Kíla

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Quadrobics acc @RobynsDen | #wolfwalkers #edit #movie #cartoonsaloon #wolfwalkersedit #movieedits

Obsessed with Wolfwalkers? Check out this super cool fan-made edit! It perfectly captures the magic of the movie in just a few seconds; I love how it uses the music!

Quadrobics acc @RobynsDen #wolfwalkers #cartoonsaloon #edit #wolf #movie

Can’t get enough of the wolf transformation scenes? This edit focuses on exactly that, and it’s so well done! You NEED to see the amazing visuals.

✨ Rate