The Snail and the Whale

With a unique blend of tender storytelling and beautiful animation, The Snail and the Whale (2019) is a delightful and heartwarming adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved picture book. Directed by Daniel Snaddon and Max Lang, the film stars such prominent British actors as the late Dame Diana Rigg, Sally Hawkins, and Rob Brydon who are able to capture the spirit of the story with their passionate voice acting abilities, making the tale even more vibrant and engaging.

At its core, The Snail and the Whale is a tale about the longing for adventure and the depths of unlikely friendships. The film introduces viewers to a little snail, a character imbued with enormous curiosity, ambition, and an insatiable desire for exploration beyond the rock she inhabits with her fellow invertebrates. Voiced by Sally Hawkins, this tiny yet brave snail dreams of the world beyond her comfortable rock, sharing tales about the wondrous world that exists on the other side of the horizon.

Our tireless snail is bestowed with a great opportunity when she crosses paths with a friendly and majestic humpback whale, portrayed by the deep, soothing tones of Rob Brydon. The whale, just missing the hustle and bustle of the city he once observed, is floundering in the harbour. Having heard the snail's tales about the world, the whale offers to take her on a journey around the world on his tail, thus sparking an extraordinary voyage of discovery and friendship. Seizing this unexpected chance, our hitch-hiking mollusc embarks on a worldwide journey, fulfilling her ambition to see the wonders she has always dreamed of witnessing.

The voice of Dame Diana Rigg offers a comforting narration throughout the story, guiding the audience through the snail's grand journey, reinforcing the rhythmic, rhyming language akin to the original text. The timelessness of Rigg’s narration creates an immersive audio experience, captivating its audience from start to finish.

The animation in The Snail and the Whale is stunningly executed, capturing the essence of Scheffler's illustrations and infusing an additional vibrancy and life in every frame. The film takes viewers on a visually compelling journey alongside the snail and the whale, capturing sprawling landscapes, underwater worlds, and bustling cities. The illustrative creativity goes hand-in-hand with the exploration theme and adds a layer of visual allure to the metaphoric narrative, encouraging young viewers to aspire to the boundless wonders of curiosity and a gain broader understanding of the world.

Furthermore, the film is laced with subtle, gentle humour which is perfectly balanced with a deeper exploration of the themes of courage, perseverance, and friendship that resonate with both adults and children. By hinting at topics such as environmental conservation, interconnectedness, and diversity, the film sparks important conversations for its young viewers, making it an empowering watch for children.

The film score, performed by René Aubry, adds another layer of depth to the narrative, telling a story of its own through music. The music effortlessly transitions from quiet and peaceful to energetic and adventurous, mirroring the snail and the whale's shared journey. With each turn in their voyage, the score adapts, enchanting viewers and enhancing the film's immersive storytelling. It is a charming accompaniment to this captivating tale of friendship and adventure.

The Snail and the Whale is far more than just a children's film. It is an enchanting tale bound to touch the heart of every viewer, regardless of age. With its heartwarming narrative, breathtaking visuals, and stunning soundtrack, The Snail and the Whale encourages its audience to dream big, step out of their comfort zone and explore the vast, marvelous world beyond the horizon.

The film captures the magic of the original picture book while bringing new elements to life through animation and song, making it a delightful watch for fans of the book and newcomers alike. This unexpectedly profound narrative woven so beautifully in a simple tale of a snail and whale's friendship is, indeed, a celebration of life's grand adventure.