PLOT: While on a mission to save their farm and community, one time explorer Searcher Clade finds himself face to face with a father that went missing years before. Can they work together and find a common goal to save the place they call home? It’s a Strange World indeed.
REVIEW: A few months back, I got a sneak preview of the latest from Disney Animation, Strange World. While we did not see much, it was enough to impress. The cast was solid, and the familial relations that it explored held my attention. On top of that was a collection of weird creatures and an adorable little fellow named Splat. Why? Because he SPLATS around and is ridiculously charming. It has no face or definition and is just a mini-blob-like creature that befriends one of the main characters. It was an exciting premise from the beginning; thankfully, it worked. Strange World features Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, Dennis Quaid, and Lucy Liu.
We first meet young Searcher Clade (Gyllenhaal) as he is on an expedition with his father, Jaeger Clade (Quaid). When Searcher finds a mysterious plant, he attempts to convince his father that it could solve their issues. The place they call home, surrounded by impenetrable mountains, faced mounting issues. However, Jaeger made his way into the unknown, leaving his son behind. He never returned. Years later, we find that Searcher has brought power to the town and has changed their way of life. Yet when their world faces a crisis from something unknown, he must seek out the answers with fellow explorer Callisto Mal (Liu). It leads to unfamiliar landscapes and an unexpected family reunion surrounded by adventure.
Strange World is an exciting, heartwarming, and funny animated feature. With Jake Gyllenhaal leading the cast, there is much to enjoy. The dynamic between the family is compelling, and both Gyllenhaal and Union work wonders together. The teenage son, played by Jaboukie Young-White, is also a terrific choice as their only child. And then there is Dennis Quaid, who brings out the gruff nature of the character and works wonders playing opposite Searcher and his family. As well, Lucy Liu is terrific as the action-oriented Callisto Mal. And while Splat doesn’t have much dialogue, the young ones will likely want one under the tree this year. He’s pretty adorable.
Another unique element in the film is the imaginative world on display, the creature design, and the fantastic animation. Directed by Don Hall and Qui Nguyen, this feature is truly breathtaking at times. When Searcher and his family unwittingly step into the world below, it’s a visual feast of wild creatures and a system that works similarly to the aquatic life. While we ultimately learn why and how this unusual place the Clades discover exists, it’s a surprisingly unexpected conclusion. And when an animated adventure can leave you guessing, that’s always a treat. Once again, it helps that this is a wholly original idea brought to life by the filmmakers. It is so wild that I questioned whether Lovecraft inspired the tentacled beasts and more.
While some may scoff at some elements of the storyline, I appreciated how earnestly it explored the family dynamic. It may not be easy to believe that Jaeger would be so open to the grandson he didn’t know he had, yet the relationship between the two is terrific. Ultimately, it was easy to connect with the family of explorers; this story had me invested. Even the action-packed sequences are stellar. If you are willing to invest in this animated cliffhanger of a movie, you’ll find value in this original tale. The film features exciting chase sequences, colorful characters, and a huge heart that reminds us that we should accept our family for who they are.
I enjoyed Strange World. The father and son dynamic truly resonated, and the connection between the remaining characters added to that. The action is impressive, the story is engaging, and the animation is utterly creative. Some may not appreciate all the ideas presented, but it worked in the story’s context – at least for this viewer. Either way, I enjoyed the heart of Strange World. With that cute little Splat and original and fantastical animation, it’s a thoroughly entertaining cliffhanger of a movie with a creative story to tell. The latest from Disney Animation opens in theatres this holiday weekend and will likely bring a little fun to the family.
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