The Sea Beast: A Tale of Monsters, Myths, and Shifting Perspectives
Growing up on tales of legendary sea monsters, young Maisie Brumble, orphaned by a monster attack, dreams of sailing the high seas with the famed Captain Crow. When her chance arrives, she discovers the adult world is far more complex than the stories she read as a child.
“The Sea Beast” emerges as a significant animated venture for Netflix this year. Beyond vying for an Oscar, it represents a step towards establishing its own animation franchise. The film centers on a centuries-old conflict between pirates and sea monsters, drawing inspiration from the “How to Train Your Dragon” series. The similarity lies not only in the concept but also in the central characters. A young protagonist challenges the older generation’s perceptions, revealing that monsters aren’t always what they seem.
Still from “The Sea Beast”
A Director’s Solo Voyage
“The Sea Beast” marks the first solo project for director Chris Williams (“Moana,” “Big Hero 6”). Tasked with creating a unique animated world and a compelling social commentary, Williams aims to rival Disney’s works in the upcoming awards season.
Echoes of the Past, Themes for the Future
“The Sea Beast” mirrors a key element from Williams’ previous work: a young protagonist whose dreams become reality. Maisie’s stowaway journey onto the pirate ship is just the beginning. She uncovers the secrets of the world and imparts simple truths to adults clinging to outdated beliefs. The film remains a fairytale, where events are best enjoyed without overthinking. If you struggle to accept that a young girl can reshape seasoned pirates’ views of the ocean, “The Sea Beast” might disappoint.
Still from “The Sea Beast”
Finding Home and Challenging Perceptions
For the orphaned Maisie, the pirate ship becomes a home, populated by the heroes of her stories. She meets another orphan, Jacob, who has spent most of his life at sea. The shared experience of childhood loss allows the creators to explore generational differences. The characters perceive events differently, and the world, once black and white, gains color. The heroes of legends are revealed as ordinary people with their own struggles.
An Environmental Allegory
The central theme of Netflix’s new project is the destruction of flora and fauna. Through the sea monsters, the filmmakers emphasize the importance of preserving our planet’s ecology and its inhabitants. The critique of activities that harm animals is illustrated through the hunting grounds: a graveyard on the seabed and a tropical island with rare animals threatened by human colonization.
Still from “The Sea Beast”
The Human Element
The destruction of ocean fauna is attributed to pirate gangs who attack the monsters. Captain Crow leads such expeditions on the ship Maisie boards, dedicating his life to hunting the largest monster. However, technological advancements threaten the pirate’s way of life. The kingdom suggests his time is over, as monsters can now be captured without human casualties. By avoiding clear-cut antagonists, the creators highlight Crow’s ambition as a hindrance to his crew. The captain, fearing replacement by a new generation, faces a crucial choice. Can one dedicate their life to a cause without achieving the desired outcome? Many questions remain unanswered, leaving gaps in the narrative.
The Power of Misinformation
The conflict between humans and sea monsters stems from unreliable information. The crown constantly rewrites stories of pirate adventures and distorts facts. The sea wolves continue to hunt monsters out of habit, perpetuating a cycle of loss.
Still from “The Sea Beast”
Family and Humanism
“The Sea Beast” embraces humanistic themes and explores the concept of family. Jacob and Maisie, adapting to their new reality, find common ground. As orphans, they connect through their shared misperceptions of the monsters. The loss of their families creates a bond, motivating them to prevent further casualties on both sides.
A Familiar Flaw
Netflix’s new project shares a flaw with the director’s previous work: the idealization of central characters, regardless of their actions. This ultimately hinders the overall impact of “The Sea Beast.” Social commentary is interspersed with plot conveniences, inevitably leading to a happy ending.