The Willoughbys Movie was an exceptionally good film and offered unique parts to animation that I haven’t seen before. I actually really enjoyed this production from BRON Studios and Bron Animation Studios. I loved the style of animation, the narration from Ricky Gervais throughout, and the talented voice cast. The film’s interesting perspective of family and the good themes were really appreciable.
What is the main plot of The Willoughbys movie?
The Willoughbys Movie follows four neglected willoughby children—Tim, Jane, and twins Barnaby A and Barnaby B—who live with their selfish parents. To find happier lives, they trick their parents into a vacation to deadly destinations, eventually discovering the true meaning of the willoughby family with Commander Melanoff.
Meet the Voice Cast
The film’s style of animation was really different, featuring graphic compositions that look like yarn. The whole voice cast was fantastic as well. People like Maya Rudolph and Terry Crews have such distinct voices. They were the perfect choice for an appealing animated adventure, and both characters were great fun throughout.
The voices of Will Forte as Tim Willoughby, the cheerful middle child of the willoughbys Jane (voiced by Alessia Cara), and Martin Short and Jane Krakowski as the parents brought this black comedy to life. Ricky Gervais was also fantastic, and his role as the narrator of the film (a sarcastic cat) was a standout. He brought humor and developed the story well at a brisk pace.
A Unique Directorial Debut by Kris Pearn
The directorial debut of Kris Pearn, who also worked on Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, is evident in the film’s energy. Alongside co-directors Rob Lodermeier and Cory Evans, Pearn captures a contemporary world that feels both nostalgic and modern. Unlike traditional Blue Sky films, this dark comedy film embraces an aesthetic similar to A Series of Unfortunate Events.
The Willoughby Children and Their Quest for New Parents
The Willoughby family history is long, but the children are treated poorly. Tim Willoughby tries his best at the care of his siblings, especially when a baby is left on the doorstep of the family house. This leads them to the candy factory owned by Commander Melanoff. The children soon realize they need new parents because their own are more interested in each other than the care of the children.
The twins, Barnaby A and Barnaby B Willoughby, provide comic relief, often sharing one sweater. Their journey eventually involves the Department of Orphan Services and a persistent orphan service agent voiced by Colleen Wheeler. They eventually seek a better life with the help of Linda, the nanny.
Is The Willoughbys Suitable for Children and Families?
While the film deals with dark themes like parental neglect, it is generally considered safe for the entire family. The dark humor is balanced with genuine emotion and heart-warming moments. It isn’t just a black comedy; it’s a story about finding where you belong. Younger viewers might find the deadliest destination sequences or the mention of a great white shark and a car pileup intense, but the jazzy score keeps it whimsical.
Contrasting The Willoughbys Film with Lois Lowry’s Book
The film is based on the book by Lois Lowry, adapted for the screen by Pearn and Mark Stanleigh. While the book is a parody of old-fashioned children’s literature, the film adds more modern flair. Some fans of the book noted how the older children interact differently, but the core message remains. The inclusion of the orphan service agent and the candy factory help translate the story for a visual medium.
Where Can I Stream The Willoughbys Online?
You can stream The Willoughbys exclusively on Netflix. It was released as a Netflix Original and saw success, reaching millions of households within its first month of release. Because it is a Netflix property, it is unlikely to move to other streaming platforms any time soon.
The Music
The film’s soundtrack and the satisfying ending were highlights. Composer Mark Mothersbaugh provided a jazzy score that kept the energy high. The fantastic voice of Alessia Cara really added to the original song “I Choose.” In the scene where Jane sings, her voice (provided via Def Jam Recordings) is beautiful. Cara’s song underscores the emotional climax of the film.
How Have Critics Reviewed The Willoughbys?
Critics generally gave the film an impressive average rating. It was praised for its unique visual style and for not being a fairly generic family film. Many compared it to the works of Roald Dahl. Some noted the story is pretty rushed, and it would’ve been a lot better if they would have made it a little longer, perhaps exploring more types of cookies or the foster families the children are sent to. Despite these minor gripes, it was often discussed as a contender for best animated feature during its release year.
Is there a sequel or related movie to The Willoughbys?
Currently, there is no official screen sequel or expanded cinematic universe for the 2020 animated film. However, author Lois Lowry did write a book sequel titled The Willoughbys Return. While fans hope for a film debut for the second book, the current movie stands as a complete, standalone story.
Final Thoughts
The Willoughbys Movie tackled sensitive issues well, leading to many heart-warming moments. By the end, I felt like I knew the characters, from the potential buyers of the house to the orphan services agents. It is a story of resilience that suggests children can create their own destinies away from neglectful parents. If you haven’t seen it yet, grab some popcorn and enjoy this unique production on Netflix.