🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Chris Williams
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Thriller
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 55min
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10 (62K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A little girl and a monster hunter become besties with a giant sea creature and cancel monster hunting forever, because propaganda is bad, and the real monsters were the kings all along!
🍿 The Sea Beast: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A World of Monster Hunters
In a world where massive sea beasts threaten humanity, monster hunters are celebrated heroes. The most renowned is Captain Crow and his crew of The Inevitable, including his adopted son, Jacob Holland. They are contracted by the Crown to protect the kingdom from these creatures, receiving fame and fortune in return. Their next target is the Red Bluster, the most fearsome sea monster of them all.

Maisie’s Stowaway Adventure
Maisie Brumble, an orphaned girl who dreams of becoming a monster hunter like her parents, stows away on The Inevitable. When she is discovered, Captain Crow initially wants to turn her away, but ultimately allows her to stay. As they pursue the Red Bluster, Maisie’s presence begins to challenge the crew’s long-held beliefs about the nature of the sea beasts.

Captured by the Red Bluster
During a fierce battle with the Red Bluster, Maisie and Jacob are swallowed whole by the beast, but the beast takes them to an isolated island where Jacob continues to make attempts to kill Red Bluster but is thwarted by Maisie. Maisie discovers that the Bluster is not malicious and makes an acquaintance with the beast, naming her Red. Maisie begins to believe that the monsters are really just misunderstood creatures, which Jacob denies. They are mammals, who protect their young and don’t attack unless threatened. She also befriends a smaller creature she names Blue.

Changing Perspectives
While stranded with Red, Jacob starts to see the truth that Maisie knows-The humans are the problem, not the creatures. They learn that Red and the other beasts are intelligent and protective of their own. This newfound understanding challenges everything Jacob has ever known about the monster hunting profession and his loyalty to Captain Crow.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jacob Holland (Karl Urban): A celebrated monster hunter and Captain Crow’s adopted son, who questions his beliefs after encountering Maisie and Red.
- Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator): An orphaned stowaway who challenges the accepted narrative about sea monsters and befriends Red.
- Captain Crow (Jared Harris): A legendary monster hunter consumed by vengeance against the Red Bluster.
- Sarah Sharpe (Marianne Jean-Baptiste): Captain Crow’s first mate who initially supports the monster hunting tradition but eventually sides with Maisie.
- Red Bluster (N/A): A large, powerful sea beast initially perceived as a threat, but later revealed to be protective and misunderstood.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Maisie: “I want to believe that, but maybe you can be a hero and still be wrong.” – Maisie questions the established narrative about monster hunters and their heroism.
- Jacob: “We don’t get to choose our fate, we just do what’s in front of us.” – Jacob expresses his belief in following a predetermined path, which later evolves.
- Maisie: “You can change things.” – Maisie encourages Jacob to break free from the cycle of hatred and violence.
- Captain Crow: “I made you who you are.” – Captain Crow’s words to Jacob reflect his controlling nature and deep-seated beliefs.
- Maisie: “Let it end.” – Maisie’s plea to end the cycle of violence and hatred driving humans and the sea beasts.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 The Sea Beast Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved “The Sea Beast”! The visuals were stunning, especially the ocean and the sea creatures. Maisie’s spirit and Jacob’s journey of understanding were incredibly touching. The scene where they bond with Red while removing the harpoons was a tearjerker. It’s a beautiful story about questioning beliefs and finding your own truth.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of animated adventure movies”
- “Families looking for a heartwarming story”
- “Viewers who enjoy films with strong female characters”
- “Anyone interested in themes of propaganda and historical revisionism”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mild violence and peril”
- “Some frightening sea monster scenes”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter – Movie News: “The Sea Beast feels like a spiritual successor to Moana with the seafaring setting and emphasis on adventure/exploration making them feel like cinematic cousins. While Williams does revisit familiar territory, he does so in a rousing fashion that harkens back to classic swashbucklers and seafaring stories that results in a great animated adventure.
- IMDB: “The lines and directing of the kid is so cringe worthy it ruined the rest of the movie. I frequently cringed to the point I got goosebumps. CGI was overall very good except for the skin of the beast which look reminds me of plastic. Audio is really great. Story is very flat. The humor is childish not much for adults.
Audience Reactions
The animation is breathtaking, especially the details of the ocean and the sea beasts.: Viewers loved the stunning visuals and the immersive world-building.
The characters were engaging and relatable, making the emotional moments hit harder.: Many praised the well-developed characters and their heartwarming relationships.
Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and emotionally resonant animated adventure that encourages questioning established narratives and embracing empathy, though some find similarities to other films.
Awards
- Hollywood Critics Association (Best Animated Film)- 2023
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Chris Williams co-directed Disney’s ‘Moana,’ and ‘The Sea Beast’ shares similar themes of adventure, exploration, and questioning long-held beliefs.”
- “The film’s attention to detail extends to accurately depicting sailing commands and seamanship, showcasing the navigational needs of a ship in the age of sail.”
- “Early in production, the team took a research trip to San Diego, California to get a better understanding of the ocean and how it would be rendered realistically in the film.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Sea Beast?
The Sea Beast is currently available to stream exclusively on Netflix. As a Netflix original, it is not available for purchase on physical media or through other digital retailers like Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Sea Beast, you might like these similar films:
- How to Train Your Dragon (2010): Shares a similar theme of befriending a misunderstood creature and questioning long-held prejudices.
- Moby Dick (1956): Explores the themes of obsession and revenge related to sea monsters.
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): Features swashbuckling adventure on the high seas with mythical creatures and a focus on maritime lore.
- Moana (2016): Another animated film from co-director Chris Williams, focusing on seafaring adventure, strong female characters, and environmental themes.
- Treasure Planet (2002): Blends science fiction with classic adventure themes and shares a coming-of-age story set in a visually stunning world.
🛒 The Sea Beast Related Products
- The Art of The Sea Beast: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie, featuring concept art, character designs, and storyboards. A must-have for animation enthusiasts.
- The Sea Beast: Storybook: A beautifully illustrated storybook that brings the adventure of The Sea Beast to life. Perfect for bedtime stories and young readers.
- The Sea Beast – ‘Red’ Plush Toy: Cuddle up with your own adorable Red plushie! Made from high-quality materials, this plush is the perfect companion for any Sea Beast fan.
- The Sea Beast – Inevitable Ship Model Kit: Build your own replica of Captain Crow’s legendary ship, the Inevitable! This highly detailed model kit is a challenging and rewarding project for experienced model builders.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Sea Beast features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
While both films feature a young protagonist befriending a misunderstood creature, The Sea Beast tackles themes of propaganda, historical revisionism, and the cost of blind obedience. It shares the adventure and heartwarming elements, but has its own distinct narrative and message.
The film promotes critical thinking, questioning established narratives, and understanding those who are different from us. It suggests that long-held beliefs can be based on lies and that peace is possible through empathy and challenging authority.
The film is rated PG and features action sequences with sea monsters and some intense moments. Parents should consider whether their child is sensitive to these types of scenes. However, the overall message is positive and promotes kindness and understanding.
🔥 Bonus Content
15 Times The Sea Beast Copied How to Train Your Dragon
Ever felt like ‘The Sea Beast’ reminded you of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’? This video breaks down 15 specific similarities, and honestly, some of them are mind-blowing! Prepare to have your childhood favorites compared in a way you never expected.
The Sea Beast but its only Red
Let’s be honest, Red is the real star of ‘The Sea Beast’! This video is a compilation of all his best scenes, and I’m not gonna lie, it’s the perfect way to relive his chaotic energy and adorable moments.
The Sea Beast but it’s Synced with Gansta’s Paradise
You haven’t truly experienced ‘The Sea Beast’ until you’ve seen it synced with ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’! It’s a bizarre, hilarious combination that somehow just works. Trust me, you need this in your life!
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