“The Willoughbys” (2020) is an animated comedy film directed by Kris Pearn, based on the 2008 book of the same name by Lois Lowry. The movie is produced by Netflix Animation and released on Netflix in April 2020. The film features a star-studded voice cast including Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Ricky Gervais, Martin Short, and Terry Crews.
Plot Summary:
The story of “The Willoughbys” revolves around the Willoughby children—Tim, Jane, Bartholomew, and Bea—who are neglected by their selfish and cold-hearted parents. The children are raised in a dysfunctional family where their parents, Malcolm and Helen Willoughby (voiced by Will Forte and Maya Rudolph), are more interested in their own lavish lifestyles than in taking care of their children. The parents are indifferent and often cruel, leaving the kids to fend for themselves.
Determined to escape their terrible situation and create a better life for themselves, the Willoughby siblings come up with an elaborate plan to send their parents on a vacation far away, hoping that their absence would leave the children free to live the lives they want.
In their quest for freedom, the children meet a variety of colorful characters, including a nanny (voiced by Ricky Gervais) and an eccentric, kind-hearted woman named Kittie (Terry Crews), who provides them with the care and attention that they have always longed for. The kids embark on a wild adventure, discovering what it means to be part of a loving family, learning important lessons about love, family, and the importance of caring for one another.
Characters and Cast:
- Tim Willoughby (voiced by Will Forte): The eldest Willoughby child and the driving force behind the plan to rid the family of their neglectful parents. Tim is a pragmatic and sometimes serious character who believes that his family needs to be better, but his plans often lead to absurd situations.
- Jane Willoughby (voiced by Alessia Cara): Tim’s younger sister, who is optimistic and kind-hearted despite the harsh conditions she faces. Jane has a deep desire to experience love and happiness, and she’s one of the first to realize that a family can mean more than just blood relations.
- Bartholomew Willoughby (voiced by Seán Cullen): The youngest child, often innocent and naive, Bartholomew represents the idea that even in the most difficult of circumstances, there is room for pure-hearted love and joy.
- Malcolm Willoughby (voiced by Will Forte): The neglectful, indifferent father of the Willoughby children, obsessed with his own life and wealth rather than taking care of his children.
- Helen Willoughby (voiced by Maya Rudolph): The cold, unfeeling mother who prefers to spend time on luxury rather than care for her children. Her actions contribute to the children’s desire to escape.
- The Nanny (voiced by Ricky Gervais): A sarcastic and eccentric character who becomes an ally to the Willoughby children. The Nanny adds a comedic touch to the film with his witty and dry humor.
- Kittie (voiced by Terry Crews): A kind and warm-hearted woman who shows the Willoughby children what true love and care feel like, offering them the familial bond they have long desired.
Themes:
- Family and Love: One of the central themes of The Willoughbys is the idea that family is not just about blood but about care, support, and love. The children learn that even though their biological parents are neglectful, they can still find a family who loves and cherishes them.
- Independence and Self-Worth: The Willoughby children’s journey is one of self-discovery. They seek independence from their neglectful parents and learn that they are capable of making their own choices and finding happiness on their own terms.
- The Importance of Caregiving: Throughout the film, the characters come to understand that love is more than just a feeling—it’s an action. The movie emphasizes the importance of caring for those around you, especially family members who rely on your kindness and support.
- Adventurous Spirit: The Willoughby children’s adventure to build a better life and escape their toxic environment highlights the importance of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
Animation and Visual Style:
The animation style of The Willoughbys is distinctive and stylized, with a quirky, cartoonish aesthetic that matches the film’s offbeat humor. The animation has a strong storybook quality, using bold colors and expressive characters to reflect the whimsical nature of the story. The design choices reflect a playful yet dark atmosphere, fitting the film’s theme of overcoming a dysfunctional, neglectful family dynamic.
Music:
The film’s music, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, enhances the film’s quirky tone and helps to emphasize the emotional beats throughout the story. The soundtrack adds to the whimsical atmosphere while also underscoring the more tender moments between the characters.
Reception:
The Willoughbys was well-received by both critics and audiences for its humor, unique animation style, and heartwarming messages. The film’s clever script and unique characters received praise for being both entertaining and emotionally resonant, making it appealing to both children and adults. While it touches on darker themes such as neglect, it balances this with humor and heart, making it accessible to younger audiences.
Critics appreciated the film’s emotional depth and how it approached themes of family and belonging in a way that was refreshing for an animated feature. The performances, particularly those by Ricky Gervais and Terry Crews, were highlighted for adding charm and depth to the characters.
Conclusion:
The Willoughbys (2020) is a funny, heartwarming animated film that explores themes of family, love, and the importance of care and connection. With its unique animation style, memorable characters, and a blend of humor and emotion, the film appeals to both children and adults. It’s a reminder that family is built on love and care, not just biological ties, and that it’s possible to find happiness even in the most unexpected places
