Hilda

Hilda is a British-Canadian animated television series that was released on Netflix in 2018. The series, based on the graphic novel series of the same name by Luke Pearson, centers around the main character, a fearless and curious young girl named Hilda.

Born to be wild and adventurous, Hilda resides amidst a world steeped in magic, imagination, and a rich variety of mystical creatures. Her spirit for exploration becomes evident right from the start. Living deep into the wilderness with her loving mother, Johanna, Hilda leads a life that includes encounters with elves, giants, trolls, and all forms of magical creatures that most people could hardly dream of. Her woodland home is like a wonder-filled playground teeming with enchanting mysteries; a perfect habitat for an explorer brimming with curiosity, like Hilda.

That sedate life in the wilderness takes a dramatic turn when Hilda and her mom have to move to the bustling city of Trolberg. The city, as one can expect, is vastly different from her wilderness home. Hilda must now navigate the distinctive challenges posed by the urban life, while still encountering the unexpected and stunning creatures that she has grown used to. Despite the city's striking contrast to her wilderness home, it doesn't take long for Hilda to realize that Trolberg has its own magic and hidden friends need to be discovered.

Each episode is a distinctive adventure that Hilda must embark on while balancing the realities of her new urban life. The narrative is both whimsical and upbeat, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. One of the remarkable features of the series is its ability to balance normality and fantasy in the same setting, making a fascinating watch for both children and adults.

Hilda is not alone in her endeavours. She is accompanied by her adorable deerfox Twig, and makes friends along the way, with human companions like Frida and David, who add to the diversity and vibrancy of the narrative. Her pals may be more accustomed to city life, but they don't shy away from joining Hilda in her enchanting escapades.

The animation style in Hilda is noteworthy. The series boasts vibrant loftiness that permeates every scene, from the lush greens of the wilderness to the rich blue-greys of Trolberg’s cityscape. The visual narrative complements the series’ storytelling; one can appreciate the great attention to detail that captures a viewer's attention, holding it from the beginning till the end.

The characters in Hilda are well-developed and the dialogues are crisp and engaging, teeming with childlike innocence yet thought-provoking. Hilda, herself, is unique. Her character until strays from the stereotypical portrayal of children in animated series. She's independent and confident, while also being genuine and profoundly empathetic. She quickly becomes a character viewers would grow to admire for her courage, kindness, and unyielding enthusiasm for life’s many wonders.

In addition, Hilda does a fantastic job in subtly introducing elements of the mythology of various cultures and weaving it in the narrative. This brings the elements of education along with entertainment. The series touches on themes of friendship, bravery, adaptation, and understanding, portraying its characters dealing with their fears, finding solutions to problems, and learning to accept and adapt to changes.

Hilda's mother, Johanna, is shown as supportive and nurturing, yet she initiates Hilda towards independence. Their relationship forms another significant subtext in the narrative that adds depth to the story.

Hilda, while primarily aimed at children, manages to also appeal to adult audiences. It offers a magical escape into beautiful, imaginative worlds while delivering positive life lessons. The manner in which it captures the spirit of adventure and childlike wonder while maintaining a narrative strong on storytelling, rich characters, and striking visuals, makes it a truly distinctive and delightful series in contemporary animation.

In conclusion, Hilda, as an animated series, carries a heartwarming tale rich in its narrative and visual splendour. Its unique blend of folklore, magic, and relatable everyday life makes it a show worth immersing in, for young and adult viewers alike. Whether you’re seeking an exciting adventure or a heartfelt story, Hilda offers all of that and more.