Wolfwalkers is a 2020 animated film from Cartoon Saloon (the Irish studio behind The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea). Set in 1650s Ireland during Oliver Cromwell's campaign to tame the "wild" Irish countryside, it follows Robyn, an English girl whose father is a wolf hunter, and Mebh, a wild Irish girl who can transform into a wolf when she sleeps.

The film is the final installment in Cartoon Saloon's "Irish Folklore Trilogy," and it's probably the most accessible of the three for American audiences. While it's steeped in Irish history and mythology, the core story—two girls from different worlds becoming friends and fighting against environmental destruction—is universal.

The animation alone is worth the watch. Cartoon Saloon uses a distinctive hand-drawn style that makes every frame look like a watercolor illustration. The forest scenes, where Mebh runs as a wolf, are rendered in these wild, sketchy lines that capture the chaos and freedom of nature. Meanwhile, the walled town of Kilkenny is all rigid geometric shapes and muted colors—a visual representation of control and fear.

But it's not just pretty to look at. The friendship between Robyn and Mebh feels real and earned. Robyn starts out desperate to prove herself to her strict father and fully buys into the propaganda that wolves are dangerous monsters. Mebh is searching for her missing mother and living freely in the forest with her wolf pack. Their friendship develops naturally, and watching Robyn question everything she's been taught is genuinely moving.

The voice acting is excellent too. Honor Kneafsey (Robyn) and Eva Whittaker (Mebh) bring these characters to life with performances that never feel overly cute or performed. Sean Bean voices Robyn's father, and he nails the complexity of a man who loves his daughter but is trapped in his own rigid worldview.

Ages 7-10: This is the sweet spot. Kids this age can appreciate the friendship story and the magical elements without being too scared by the wolf-hunting sequences. The themes about listening to nature and questioning authority will resonate, though they might need help processing some of the darker elements about Cromwell's campaign to "civilize" Ireland.

Ages 11-13: Preteens will pick up on the deeper themes about colonialism, environmental destruction, and how fear is used to control people. They'll also appreciate the complexity of Robyn's father—he's not a villain, just a man doing what he thinks is right while causing harm.

Ages 14+: Teens might initially resist an "animated kids' movie," but if you can get them to watch, they'll likely be impressed by the artistry and the sophisticated storytelling. This is a great gateway to conversations about how animation can tackle serious themes.

Under 7: Probably too intense. The wolf-hunting scenes are genuinely scary, and there's a sequence where a character gets injured that younger kids might find upsetting.

The historical context matters: Wolfwalkers is set during a real period of Irish history when Oliver Cromwell was systematically destroying Irish forests and culture. The film doesn't shy away from this—the Lord Protector (clearly meant to be Cromwell) is portrayed as a religious zealot who sees the natural world as something to be controlled and conquered. Depending on your kids' age and knowledge of history, you might want to provide some context about colonialism and why this matters.

It's about questioning authority: Robyn's entire arc is about realizing her father is wrong and that the authority figures she's been taught to respect are causing harm. This is a good thing! But if you have a kid who's already in a phase of questioning every rule you set, just know this film will probably reinforce that energy. Learn more about media that encourages critical thinking.

The environmental message is clear: This isn't subtle. The film is explicitly about how humans destroy nature out of fear and a desire for control, and how that destruction harms everyone. If you're looking for movies about environmental themes, this is one of the best.

It's genuinely Irish: The accents are Irish (mostly), the mythology is Irish, the music is Irish. This isn't Hollywood's version of Ireland—it's made by Irish creators telling an Irish story. Some American kids might need subtitles to catch all the dialogue, especially Mebh's thick accent when she's excited.

It's on Apple TV+: Worth noting since not every family has this streaming service. About 40% of Screenwise families report their kids use Netflix regularly, while 30% have free access to Amazon Prime Video. Apple TV+ is less common, but if you're already subscribed for Ted Lasso or other content, Wolfwalkers is absolutely worth adding to your watch list.

Fear of the "other": The townspeople fear wolves because they've been told to, not because they have any actual experience with them. This is a great jumping-off point for conversations about prejudice, stereotypes, and how fear is used to control people.

Parent-child relationships: Robyn's father genuinely loves her but is so trapped in his own trauma and rigid beliefs that he can't see he's hurting her. The film doesn't make him a villain—he's just a man who's afraid and trying to keep his daughter safe in the only way he knows how. This complexity is rare in kids' media.

Environmental stewardship: The film makes a clear argument that humans are part of nature, not separate from it, and that destroying the natural world destroys ourselves. Mebh's mother is literally trying to protect the forest, and the wolves are portrayed as guardians, not monsters.

Found family vs. blood family: Mebh's wolf pack is her family just as much as her mother is. Robyn eventually has to choose between her father and her new understanding of the world. These are meaty themes that can lead to great conversations.

Wolfwalkers is exceptional. It's visually stunning, emotionally intelligent, and tells a story that respects kids' ability to handle complex themes. Yes, it has some intense moments, and yes, it's explicitly political in its environmental and anti-colonialist message. But it's also a beautiful story about friendship, freedom, and finding your place in the world.

If you're tired of the same CGI-animated formula from major studios, this is a breath of fresh air. It's the kind of film that reminds you what animation can do when it's not just trying to sell toys or set up a sequel.

For families looking for alternatives to Disney movies or international animated films, Wolfwalkers should be at the top of your list. And if your kids love it, definitely check out Cartoon Saloon's other films—The Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea are equally beautiful, though they're a bit more meditative in pace.