Hilda and the Mountain King

I can't recommend enough to watch Netflix's Hilda series! It's charming, intelligent, engaging, entertaining and positive, fit for any age category. Hilda and the Mountain King is not really a separate film, but a continuation of the two seasons of the show, so watching it without watching the series doesn't make a lot of sense.

Hilda is again put in a situation where established custom falls short and she has to figure out how to get to the truth and solve the problem, this time one that would affect everybody in Trollberg. It was a bit disappointing that the trigger to the entire film, the swap, was not actually explained. But other than that, the film was just as good as the series and probably just a rework of whatever they had done for season 3.

It's so sad that Netflix's strategy to get more viewers and money does not extend to caring for them once they are in. The system, as is, motivates them to make a lot of shows, but not to continue them. If a viewer felt for it and subscribed, that's great, it doesn't bring more money to continue the show that got them there. And that is probably what is happening with Hilda, too. I really really want to see the show continue, but at this rate, you should probably consider this film as a "wrap up".

Coming off the previous two seasons, there were very high expectations for the film, and I believe it's safe to say that they met and exceeded them.

The art matches that of the series, with gorgeously blended pastel colors and that warm soft lighting of which the show is known for. It's difficult to go ten minutes through the film without being presented a spectacle or landscape that leaves you in awe. The animation itself has been given noticeable refinements since the series, particularly in its character movement and speech animation. It's a subtle, but noticed step forwards.

Accompanying the art and animation is, like the series before it, a fantastic soundtrack. While it may have been more restricted this time, when it does make an appearance, it completely clicks with the aesthetic of the show and the plot in an amazing combination.

The film pushes our two main characters, Hilda and her mother Johanna, to their limits. The relationship between them had been growing more tenuous throughout the running of the series, and in the film it gets further attention and development.

Amidst all this, the other sub-plot regarding the threatening buildup of troll activity outside the city gets pulled to the fore within the film, and has its own bittersweet resolution.

Despite tying up the biggest loose ends from the previous two seasons, and the film being based off the final book installment of the same name, there is in fact a third and final season coming! It's uncharted territory, it could go anywhere.

"Our (last) adventure, Twig! Where should we go?"

I just watched "Hilda and the Mountain King" twice, and it was INCREDIBLE. Everything I could have asked for and then some.

From the breathtaking opening sequence to the art direction to the emotional impact to the jokes to the resolution....all just absolutely amazing. I'd be lying if I said that I didn't cry a little.

At the beginning of the month, I speculated that this would be the saving grace of 2021 for me, and it most definitely was.

Not only did it live up to all of my expectations, but it EXCEEDED them. At times, it almost felt like an apology for some of season 2's shortcomings.

If I only had one small complaint, it'd be the absence of the Great Raven once again. I discussed this in my review of season 2 last year, but again, I'm sort of bummed that the Raven didn't show up here either. He could have taken the role of the Lost Clan pigeon in the search for Hilda.

Just a little nitpick, though. Hopefully, we'll see the Raven or the Marra at least once in season 3, even just a cameo....right? Right?

Hilda is a wonderful and pure Netflix series that I enjoy a lot. The film throws you right into the deep end, and I think it's really beneficial to have seen the series first.

However the story is wonderfully on brand, it had a really great plot, and it really benefits from having the full length of the film. I really love the fantasy elements to this series, and honestly it's so pure and fun.

It was nice to see some of the characters gain character growth within the film too.

Definitely my animated film of the year, it paid off everything the show had set up and showed me that the writer knew exactly what they were doing from the very start.

I'm more than happy if this is the conclusion of this series.