Heartwarming “Hilda

SERIES HAS STORY AND STYLE Text and art by ZANDER LEONG

AMID FOREST FOLIAGE Scandinavian folklore-inspired world and ous: pieces of each episode are masterfully and maroon hues, a young girl works to help the people and creatures woven throughout the entire series. The and her pet deer-fox scramble around her. Along with her friends, she en- service organization Hilda joins is forethrough grassy woods as a tow- counters paperwork-loving elves, enchant- shadowed in her adventures with the bird, ering troll lumbers after them. Their ragged ed mice and sassy teenage spirits as she and both episodes establish later events. breaths tear through the darkening forest. travels from the open mountainside to her Everything leads up to the final episode But the girl laughs, taking in the thrill as new home in a thriving subur- –– an exciting finale that ties up the season she dashes over outlined logs and animated ban city. With the second sea- nicely. waterfalls under a sunset painted in stripes son set to release on Dec. 14, While many children’s shows of deep colors. we’re looking back on push the moral of

This is just one of the many stunning the beautiful colors and “Hilda” delivers heart- the story in a way scenes from the award-winning Netflix Original “Hilda.” First created as a comheartwarming story in the fantastical world of felt lessons in a form that can seem forced, “Hilda” delivers ic book series in 2010 by Luke Pearson, “Hilda.” that can appeal to all. heartfelt lessons in “Hilda” was later adapted by the streaming The show opens a form that can apservice in 2018 as an animated television with a bright title se- peal to all. There series. quence featuring a fluid run- are more to the themes than

The show follows a young, adven- through of the series. Literally. To- the usual “power of friendship.” In one turous girl named Hilda as she explores a gether with her friends and key characters, episode, viewers come to realize — along Hilda runs through scenes and locations with the characters — the message about that turn up throughout the season. The Hilda finding her real home. Suddenly, show’s unique colors and design imme- previous elements like conversations with diately shine through in the brief 30 sec- an old friend and Hilda’s general attitude onds. Set to a light, bubbly theme song by about moving to the city all click together. electropop musician Grimes, viewers get a These positive endings leave viewers feeling taste of the spirited, smooth and stylistic satisfied, a nice break from the dramatized aesthetic that “Hilda” totes. cliffhangers that keep you clicking “Next The show doesn’t have a single Episode.” running storyline, and instead fea- “Hilda” is set in a world that is both tures individual episodic stories. One modern and fantastical, a combination that episode sees Hilda helping a talking isn’t often seen together. But the genres bird regain its memory, while the next cov- don’t clash: instead, they twist together in ers her adventures with community service an artful duet. In one scene, cruise ships and onion men. But the story is continu- lie in a harbor next to historical sailboats. In another, police rush by in capes, feath-

the show is between ered hats and flashing police cars. It brings Hilda and her motha sense of relevance to the folklore-based er, Johanna. Rather story and a bit of magic to the world we than being depicted as a stiff, know today. unrelatable figure or the face of opposition

Traditional aspects are also refurbished as many parents are in television, Johanna through the show’s modern, minimalist art. is clear-headed and practical, bearing both It’s here that “Hilda” pushes the boundar- the responsibility and love that come with ies of television. Broad fields of color and parenting. No matter what Hilda gets into, clean, rounded lines sketch out iconic her mother is there for her and full of supscenes in a style that’s more often seen in port. She’s also a graphic designer, tying graphic design. The show’s comic book or- nicely with the show’s aesthetic and breakigins reveal themselves through these stun- ing the “boring parent job” convention. ning visuals. And while not overly bright Still, while emotionally dimensional, or saturated, the muted color scheme still the human population is a bit uniform. feels lively and wondrous. Rays of golden More ethnic diversity in the sunlight or beams from main and recurring glowing headlights illuminate every single Animation is certainly characters would elevate the show. In a scene, further dazzling an art, and “Hilda” is series about acceptaudiences. Animation is certainly an art, and one of the shows that ing and understanding others, whether “Hilda” is one of the reinforces that con- human characters shows that reinforces that connection. nection. or fantasy creatures, representing more

Fluid animation communities would adds further depth to scenes. only enhance the message. While the art is not hyper-realistic, the Viewers looking for violent action show’s creators bring Hilda’s world to life: or edgy drama will not find it in “Hilda.” every movement is elegant, every word is What they will find is a heartfelt series pronounced and every blink is smooth. that captures the essence of being a child. Animation extends into backgrounds, from But that doesn’t mean animation is only the smallest mote of dust to waves dancing for kids. The show reflects a larger on the shore. No corners were cut and the revival of animation; over the last result is a beautiful, mobile, living world. few years, streaming services like

This investment is also reflected in the Netflix, Amazon Prime Video characters. Despite lacking live human ac- and Hulu have bumped up their tors, “Hilda” boasts well-developed person- investment in the genre. And with alities. One of the strongest relationships in the arrival of Disney+ in late

2019, animation has taken hold of today’s entertainment industry. Perhaps the beautiful art has attracted the world’s eye. Perhaps it reflects a larger trend of desire for positivity. Either way, shows like “Hilda” uplift their audience, something we all need especially now.

Audiences should anticipate even more from the world of “Hilda”; the second season is set to explore deeper themes on a broader scope. Viewers will see Hilda settling into city life while facing an antagonist, aspects that weren’t present in the first episodes. Returning characters will also see new stories, such as an episode dedicated to Hilda’s pet deer-fox Twig. Expectations are high for the team behind “Hilda,” but based on their previous work, many predict they won’t disappoint.

Whether looking for the next animated series or just anything to watch, “Hilda” is an exciting, intricate show for audiences of all ages. A heartwarming story is at the core of its fluid animation and stunning design, reminding us of the wonder of living and growing in a magical world. And these days, we could use a little magic in our life. v