Charming animated film explores environmentalism & animal communication

Writer-director Daniel Chong delivers a delightful family animation, a collaboration between Pixar veteran Pete Docter and co-writer Jesse Andrews, that subtly champions environmental protection. The film, a playful riff on classics like Avatar and Inception, alongside titles such as The Lion King and Dr. Dolittle, unfolds with a gentle charm.

A whimsical tale of nature, acceptance, and a beaver conspiracy

At its heart, the film centers on Mabel, voiced by Piper Curda, a teenager navigating life with her grandmother (her mother’s absence is lightly touched upon). Mabel learns from her grandmother the profound value of nature, particularly a tranquil woodland glade near their home. This connection fosters a sense of acceptance and forgiveness, not just for people, but for those with whom she struggles.

The narrative takes a sharp turn when the malevolent Mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm) announces plans to bulldoze the glade for a freeway. Mabel discovers a startling conspiracy within her university, leading her on a mission to re-establish the glade’s animal population – beavers and other creatures that have mysteriously vanished. Her attempts to communicate with these animals prove challenging, particularly when she encounters a distinctly unsympathetic insect queen (Meryl Streep) and the predatory nature of some of the local fauna.

While the film occasionally wavers in fully committing to the villain's depravity, its brisk pace and clever humor make for an entertaining experience. A memorable cameo features a shark who stubbornly remains hostile on land. Released in Australia on March 5th and the UK and US on March 6th, Hoppers offers a refreshing blend of heartwarming storytelling and environmental awareness. The film's subtle message resonates long after the credits roll – a testament to its understated power.