Movie Review: Song of the Sea

It’s Sunday! Perfect day to do nothing but watch movies and take naps.

Summary: This film should have won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature it was nominated for. It is simply the best. It is magic. It’s impossible for me to label this film as an “adult” or “children” movie because it expertly blends components that appeal to all ages- at least all ages that enjoy beauty, humor and unexpected emotional exploration.

The film follows the journey of Ben, an Irish boy who discovers his mute younger sister Saoirse is a selkie (half human half seal) who must discover her voice and song to free (cheeky) supernatural creatures from a spell placed on them by a Celtic goddess. The movie is layered with mystical Celtic folklore and song.

Mood: Crying. This poignant and whimsical movie will put you in the mood to cry- but you’ll be smiling while you cry. As the movie sucks you in it begins to feel like a spiritual experience (or maybe a psychedelic one.)

Food: Irish fare. Cook up some Sheppard’s pie, beef stew, potato pancakes, or bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes) and hunker down in your coziest couch.

Drink: Guinness or an Irish coffee for the over twenty-one crowd, and some bubby apple cider would be a fitting liquid treat for this film.

Company: Your kiddos and loved ones! Just make sure everyone you invite into your film-viewing nest are peeps you feel comfortable crying in front of. The heart-string-pulling devices woven into the film will make you feel deep love and appreciation for those around you- don’t be shy to dole out hearty amounts of hugs and kisses throughout the film (and tissue, dole out lots of tissue.)

Yays!: This is one of the most visually appealing movies I’ve ever seen. Each frame of animation is a work of art that could easily be framed and hung on the wall. The detail is exquisite, and each time you view the film (and you will want to watch it more than once) you’ll discover more details and hidden layers of meaning. This movie will change you for the better.

Nays: The tissue bill- so many tissues. This is not a film that is delicate with your emotions- it makes you feel so deeply. If you’re not in the mood for riding an intense (but spiritually cleansing) emotional tilt-a-whirl, don’t watch this film. But really, you should watch it.

Stream it on Amazon!