Whether too far along in production or considered of sufficient quality The Sea Beast avoided the apparent cull of animated content when the streamer announced job cuts. And while the rather bloated story and inconsistent pacing render the film a tad dull in places, visually it is a sumptuous feast of style and colour – with one notable area of exception.
Dreaming of becoming a monster hunter like her parents, young orphan Maisie (Zaris-Angel Hator) stows away on a ship under the charge of the legendary Captain Crow (Jared Harris). When she and captain-in-waiting Jacob (Karl Urban) are stranded while in pursuit of a mythical monster they begin to see the world through different eyes.
Overlong, with a running time touching two hours, and a narrative you could have written from viewing the trailer, The Sea Beast has its flaws. And yet you are immersed in a world so vibrant and beautiful that you forgive those indiscretions. Every detail, from the movement of the crashing waves to the strikingly atmospheric vistas, has been designed with true skill and care. Except for the beasts themselves. Intentionally perhaps, they look as if drawn by a small child, all primary colours and exaggerated features. At no point do you believe they are at all dangerous, their relative size being their only threatening feature.
But it doesn’t really matter. While the film may lack the longevity of director Chris Williams’ previous films Big Hero Six and Moana (which he co-directed) The Sea Beast is still an impressive piece of animation. Only time will tell if it is to be one of the last from Netflix.
The Sea Beast is available on Netflix.
