Movie with Abe: Abominable

Abominable
Directed by Jill Culton and Todd Wilderman
Released September 27, 2019

Animated movies have historically cast a light on mystical phenomena and other creatures or characters typically perceived as villains. Monsters, beasts, and other theoretical “bad guys” have been rewritten as misunderstood and stuck in their fates as a result of magic or some act of their own doing, just waiting for the right person to come along and help to show them and the world that they mean no harm. Most often, those ready and willing to listen are children, whose sense of imagination and creativity can overcome the initial feelings and presuppositions created by a physical impression.

After the death of her father, teenage Yi works numerous jobs tirelessly so that she can make enough money to complete the trip across China that the two of them always dreamed of taking, ignoring her mother and grandmother in the process. When she finds an enormous yeti hiding out on her roof, she realizes it has tremendous power, and follows her new friend, nicknamed Everest, on an incredible journey with her neighbors Peng and Jin in tow. As she tries to get Everest home, this ragtag group is pursued by a wealthy collector and a scientist determined to put this rare creature on display.

This film tracks a similar course to many other recent animated films, picking a self-made outcast and showing her path towards finding happiness again in the wake of tremendous sadness. Once she sees that the escaped yeti is in pain, her attitude towards this terrifyingly large and unknown beast changes, and her only desire is to help Everest find his way home. Peng and Jin are appropriate tagalongs, each expressing completely different notions about the adventure they’re on while Yi merely charges ahead selflessly. The way they experience this expedition is inviting and enticing, welcoming in the audience to take the trip with them.

This film serves as a worthy entry into a collection of heartwarming animated productions from the last few decades, capturing the same sense of exploratory wonder as “Up” and the fearless spirit of “Brave” in its signature heroine, among many other elements. Like other animated films, it’s not just for children, with plenty of humor aimed at adults and dazzling visuals that should impress all ages. Voice contributions from Chloe Bennet, Albert Tsai, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Sarah Paulson, and Eddie Izzard enhance an already enjoyable experience, one that manages to present magical ideas through a deeply human lens.

B+