Wendell & Wild is Netflix’s upcoming spooky stop-motion film, directed by Henry Selick. Being a movie that is predominantly about raising the dead, is Wendell & Wild too scary for kids? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG-13 rating, in my Wendell & Wild Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s kid-friendly. As always, no spoilers!
Wendell & Wild Parents Guide + Movie Review
Known for creepy and twisted tales like The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, director Henry Selick is back. This time he’s unpacking a whole lot of trauma with demon brothers in the terrifying stop-motion animated movie, Wendell & Wild.
On the premise, Wendell & Wild might seem to be filled with horror, there’s more than meets the eye in this visually appealing film. The story itself focuses on Kat (Lyric Ross), who has experienced ultimate trauma at a young age. Kat’s life is flipped upside-down when she tragically loses her parents. This changes her in all the worst possible ways. She hates herself and doesn’t feel like she deserves any bit of happiness.
Wendell & Wild, are voiced by the hilarious talented duo of Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. Although they’re the title of the film, the demon brothers are side-characters. However, their onscreen presence delivers the comedic relief this heavy movie needs.
Visually speaking, Wendell & Wild is stop-motion animation done right. For a film that is loaded with dark elements, the visuals are impeccable. The details and the colors onscreen are simply stunning.
The diverse representation in Wendell & Wild is a huge win. Our lead character, is a black female. Not only that, but Kat is an individualist. She is not like the other girls, and she’s perfectly okay with that. She is unapologetically herself and rocks her own style.
The supporting characters offer diverse qualities about themselves, as well. However, the standout for me is Raul, a transgender boy. Raul is the only boy in an all girls school, which means he transitioned while he was there. It is made known that Raul is accepted for who he is. Inclusion is such an important element, and I really love how Wendell & Wild naturally weaved this into the story.
Is Wendell & Wild Kid-Friendly? Here’s your Parents Guide:
There’s no hiding that Wendell & Wild absolutely has its share of spooky moments. With that being said, what is the age rating for Wendell & Wild?
Wendell & Wild has an MPAA rating on PG-13 for some thematic material, violence, substance use, and brief strong language. It has a runtime of 1 hour 46 minutes. Here’s what parents need to know before watching Wendell & Wild with their kids.
Violence
Wendell & Wild has some violent themes like murder and arson, however, this movie is more creepy than anything else.
Language
“Brief strong language,” indeed. Wendell & Wild uses words like: Hell, ass, “damaged child,” blowhard, “Holy Biscuits,” and stupid. Stupid is used in an abundance.
Mature Content
Raising the dead is a main theme in Wendell & Wild, as is talk of the land of the living and the afterlife “down under.” There is a major car accident in the movie as well as a drowning. Kat’s parents die early in the movie and it shapes how she becomes and how she feels about herself. She has a lot of unprocessed trauma and struggles with panic attacks and PTSD. There is also lying, deceit, and some drinking alcohol.
Age Recommendation
It is evident that Wendell & Wild was not intended for little ones, and there is a lot of heaviness to unpack in this movie. However, I also know there are kids who enjoy a good dose of creepiness, especially during Halloween time. Mine included. Taking the above thematic elements into consideration, I would recommend Wendell & Wild for ages 10 and up. With that being said, children who are more sensitive might need to wait this one out. As always, I’d encourage parents to screen this film beforehand, especially if you’re questionable.
Overall Thoughts
Henry Selick has done it again, bringing us a creepy stop motion animated movie with an engaging storyline from start to finish. Wendell & Wild raises the bar compared to similar film’s due to its diverse onscreen representation.
Wendell & Wild certainly has loads of scary moments, but they’re not where it’s “too much.” It provides its audience with the right level of “scare” without going overboard.
Key and Peel are hilarious as ever as the two demon brothers. They deliver loads of laughs each time they’re onscreen. Kids will immediately be drawn to Kat’s character and be cheering her on throughout her journey of self-discovery.
Pay close attention to the lyrics in the soundtrack, as they are perfectly written for the story.
Wendell & Wild is just what we need for spooky season. Stream it exclusively on Netflix October 28, 2022.
Wendell & Wild Synopsis:
Two scheming demons strike a deal with a punk rock-loving teen so they can leave the Underworld and live out their dreams in the Land of the Living.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS WENDELL & WILD PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE WATCHING?!
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