Written and directed by Nina Gantz, co-written by Daan Bakker, Stienette Bosklopper and Simon Cartwright. In the 1980s, Mary, Billybud, and Fumbleton starred in the children’s television program Wander to Wonder. They are left alone in the studio after the show’s originator passed away. Voiced by Neil Salvage, Toby Jones, Amanda Lawrence and Terence Dunn.
Two things that go surprisingly well together are nostalgia and creepiness, Wander to Wonder proves that abundantly. You’re immediately enveloped into that world of 80s children’s television, which is weird and disturbing in itself, and then it crumbles so wonderfully. Along the way creating something that feels as if you blended Mister Rogers with Robert Morgan’s Stopmotion, and a touch of Charlie Kaufman’s Anomalisa. It dips its toes into the horror world just enough to create something perky and wholesome with an edge of depravity.
It’s a satisfying and enjoyable combination to watch, it’s unique and creative. It clearly comes from a place of wild imagination which is brought to life excellently by the animation work. There’s nothing to find fault with, it’s brilliant work, the style and movement of it. The phasing through a VHS perspective was a great touch, the design work is perfect and there’s a clear attention to detail.
Creating that balance of optimism, kindness and disaster is something that’s strengthened by the voice work. Each of these three actors playing our wayward stars of the show are perfectly odd, in the friendliest and quirkiest of ways. Toby Jones will always be a great choice, whether he’s physically onscreen or not, he brings a huge amount of personality to the table. Amanda Lawrence does a lovely job of creating that motherly presence, trying to keep everyone’s spirits up despite facing terrible odds. While Terence Dunn adds a delightfully naïve quality, a quiet, clumsy presence. It’s all perfectly British.
Wander to Wonder is a terrific piece of animation but it is held slightly back by its story feeling unresolved. To add to its wonderfully creepy tone, it’s also surprisingly sad, which perhaps takes over a touch too much from the comedy in its latter moments. While all the visual elements are knocking it out of the park and the voice cast is superb, the story just needed a more satisfying arc to truly bring it all together.
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