Directed by Chris Williams and starring Karl Urban, Zaris-Angel Hator, Jared Harris, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, The Sea Beast feels like a film that should have stayed in theaters longer and land on Disney+, but it didn’t – this hit belongs to Netflix, and it’s streaming this weekend.
What is Netflix up to? Are we beginning to see the streamer take an offensive position with Disney+?
The Sea Beast: A Nearly Perfect Film
From Director Chris Williams (Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Chicken Little, Bolt, Big Hero 6, Moana), The Sea Beast is a captivating adventure that is both familiar and fresh. And while the film has a minor plot point or two that are briefly glossed over, Netflix’s new computer-animated family flick is sure to be a blast for the whole family.
Lights, camera, highlights!
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Plot
Generations ago, in a land (and sea) far, far away, so-called sea-hunters sail the deep to find and eliminate sea beasts who once roved the coasts, killing innocent humans, farmers, and sailors.
One part How to Train Your Dragon and another Moby Dick, the hunters in The Sea Beast are ferocious and dedicated fighters that will stop at nothing to claim their prize.
Jacob Holland (Karl Urban) is a first mate on The Inevitable, an infamous ship helmed by the legendary Captain Crow (Jared Harris), a fierce and notorious sea beast hunter. Jacob is Crow’s adopted son, who’s being groomed to one day take over The Inevitable.
After returning from a hunt, the pair find out that their benefactors (the King and Queen, and leaders of what is called “Three Bridges”) are shutting down their operation in favor of a new ship and crew, but they manage to convince the monarchy to give them one more chance to catch an elusive super beast named Red Bluster.
After they set sail, however, the crew discover a young girl named Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator), who’s parents were hunters but have long perished, has snuck onboard The Inevitable and wants to join the hunt.
What follows is a thrilling and surprisingly relevant film that reminds us just how dangerous misunderstandings and propaganda can be.
Characters, animation and voice acting
The Sea Beast was virtually unknown to most viewers prior to its release (it still may be to many). Given that it had almost no marketing to speak of – Netflix likely bought this one out before theatrical plans were even considered – Chris Williams’ new animated tale of courage and redemption may get skipped by some viewers.
But make no mistake: this is no low-budget film – skip at your own peril ya’ land lovers.
There are moments in The Sea Beast that the animation and acting is so well done you forget it is an animated movie. The cast does an impeccable job as well. Karl Urban’s New Zealand gruff is always easily identifiable, and Zaris-Angel and Jared Harris sound as if they were there when the scenes were shot.
The characters are well written, subtle, and incredibly well cast. Karl Urban’s Jacob Crow plays like a watered-down Butcher from The Boys, and Zaris-Angel’s Maisie Bumble is both fun and inspiring as the young orphan seeking adventure but determined to do the right thing.
The story is fun, the stakes are real, and the monsters feel like they’re pulled right out of Pacific Rim – we even get a Kaiju fight!
Stream it or skip it?
Although The Sea Beast has received almost zero buzz online, viewers should not make the mistake of thinking this is another run-of-the-mill B-movie by animators that couldn’t secure distribution at scale. This was a steal for Netflix.
In what may be one of our home’s newest animated faves, Netflix’s The Sea Beast puts a button on an over 30 year career in animation for a director who, quite simply, makes it all look too easy.
Stream it!