5 out of 5

Director: Spike Jonze

I have no attachment to the book, nor am I a Spike Jonze champion. …But I found this adaptation magical and massively absorbing, Where the Wild Things Are seems to be more of a contemplation on childhood and core emotions than a movie, as much is left unsaid and theres not a direct plot thrust to get behind and follow. Youre thrown in right from the beginning, when the initial title cards (scribbled over by a childish hand) are interrupted by a quick and sloppy cut of Max, in his animal suit, chasing his dog around the house. Everything about tone is established from this cold opening – the childish abandon, the lack of context. When the movie cuts back to the title screens, the begins properly, you are prepared. Max lives with his single mother and sister. As Maxs mother entertains a boyfriend one evening, the young boys demands for attention are reprimanded, causing him to run from the house. Without giving any indication of a split from reality, Max comes across a small rowboat, which he takes to an island, which is populated by the Wild Things – large, speaking beasts. Max quickly becomes king of these creatures, but learns in that roundabout child way that imagination and boasts cannot always conquer the reality of our emotions. Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers extracted an amazing amount of depth from this 300-word childrens book, and Jonzes visualization and dedication to the production of the creatures world is just… mind-numbing, in the best way. This movie is funny, scary, thoughtful, and sad, but in a pleasant way. Incredibly recommended for either those with keen memories of the book or patient viewers who appreciate silence.