One of the best animated films of all time has just been made available at no extra cost to Netflix subscribers.
No, it’s not a Disney classic – it was actually released 10 years ago and hails from Ireland rather than Hollywood.
Produced by the lesser-known studio Cartoon Saloon, they’ve been behind cult favourites like Wolfwalkers and the Netflix Original My Father’s Dragon.
Now, their second animated feature, Song of the Sea, is available to stream and Netflix subscribers shouldn’t miss out.
It’s widely considered one of the most beautifully crafted animated films of the 21st Century, and possibly ever made.
Set in 1980s Ireland, the sweeping fantasy story follows a 10-year-old boy named Ben (played by David Rawle) who discovers his mute sister Saoirse is actually a selkie, a magical being who can shapeshift between human and seal.
They’re whisked on a magical adventure along with their Old English Sheepdog Cú to help save the faerie from the Celtic goddess Macha and discover the secret behind the death of their mother.
Song of the Sea already has a devoted cult following which is only set to grow now it’s been made widely available on Netflix – check out what some of its fans had to say.
Carlos Aguilar of the Toronto Review wrote: “Watching Song of the Sea it is easy to assert that this is one of the most blissfully beautiful animated films ever made.
“It is a gem beaming with awe-inspiring, heartwarming magic.”
One of the film’s fans on Reddit said: “Song of the Sea is delightful. [It’s] such a beautifully crafted piece of animation that I initially mistook it for a Studio Ghibli project.
“Every scene is enjoyable to watch, and any given frame could be displayed as its own work of art.
“The story was good, the music was amazing, and the characters were all well rounded. I can’t believe it took me this long to watch it.”
One five-star review on the film social media platform Letterboxd reads: “Song of the Sea has a fairly simplistic and straightforward story, but some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous animation I’ve ever seen.
“In an age where mainstream animated films are computer animated, it’s a nice change of scenery to see something as artistically liberating as this.
“The story and the art style feel like the Irish folk tale that it’s supposed to be, and it has a beautiful soundtrack to boot.”
Another user wrote: “My experience watching this is equivalent to waking up from a pleasant dream: I’m in such a blissful state but I’m sad it’s over so quickly.”
“My heart is so full with love after watching this,” a final fan said. “Everything about this was absolutely beautiful.
“The animation was stunning and the story was so beautifully made. This entire film was hand drawn and that actually blows my mind. This was also nominated for the academy award for best animated feature, rightfully so.”
Will you be giving Song of the Sea a go this weekend?
Song of the Sea is available to stream on Netflix.
