What’s It About
When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters — and make history to boot.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
“The Sea Beast” is a hidden gem in the world of animated films, deserving far more attention than it has received. While the opening animation may take a moment to adjust to, it sets the stage for a surprisingly captivating journey. The film begins with a somewhat formulaic introduction to our main characters. Jacob, the first mate, is presented through a classic “look how talented he is” montage. Meanwhile, Maisie, an orphan with dreams of adventure, stows away on the ship “The Inevitable” hoping to avenge her parents. Captain Crow, reminiscent of Melville’s Ahab, leads the charge in pursuit of the fearsome Red Bluster – the most elusive of sea beasts. However, as they close in on their quarry, Maisie’s perspective shifts. She begins to see “Red,” as she affectionately names it, as a gentle, misunderstood creature rather than the monster of legend. At its core, “The Sea Beast” explores how our desire to honor and preserve family legacies can sometimes lead us astray. This is poignantly illustrated in the relationship between Captain Crow and Jacob. Crow’s obsession with revenge blinds him to the potential harm he’s causing to Jacob and the crew. The film tackles these complex themes with a refreshing maturity. Rather than relying heavily on humor, it presents its dilemmas straightforwardly, making it accessible to younger viewers while still resonating with adults. This approach, while occasionally resulting in scenes that may be intense for very young children, ultimately strengthens the narrative. The voice cast breathes life into these characters with skill and nuance: Karl Urban’s Jacob is a reluctant hero with impeccable comedic timing. Jared Harris brings depth to Captain Crow, making his motivations understandable, if not always agreeable. Marianne Jean-Baptiste, as Sarah Sharpe, leaves us wanting to know more about her character. Zaris-Angel Hator steals the show as Maisie Brumble, delivering a performance that outshines the character’s limited backstory. The computer animation in “The Sea Beast” is top-notch, featuring colorful aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail. While some creature designs may evoke memories of “How to Train Your Dragon,” the overall visual style is unique and captivating. The water effects, particularly, are a standout, often approaching photorealism. “The Sea Beast” isn’t without its flaws – it borrows elements from other stories and leans into tried-and-true concepts. However, it combines these familiar ingredients in a fresh and engaging way. The result is a visually stunning, thematically rich animated film offering something for all ages. While it may not break entirely new ground, “The Sea Beast” proves that sometimes, it’s not about reinventing the wheel but how smoothly and enjoyably that wheel turns. It’s a delightful adventure that deserves a place among the better-known animated classics of recent years.
OUR RATING – A TRAINED BEAST 8