Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Max imagines running away from his mom and sailing to a far-off land where large talking beasts—Ira, Carol, Douglas, the Bull, Judith and Alexander—crown him as their king, play rumpus, build forts and discover secret hideaways.
Details
Budget
$100,000,000
Rating
7/10 (1866 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, Village Roadshow Pictures, Playtone, Wild Things Productions, KLG Film Invest
About Where the Wild Things Are
Spike Jonze's 2009 film "Where the Wild Things Are" translates Maurice Sendak's beloved children's book into a live-action and CGI adventure. The story follows Max, a young boy who, after a disagreement with his mother, imagines himself sailing to a land inhabited by large, talking creatures known as Wild Things. Crowned as their king, Max navigates the complexities of this new world, engaging in boisterous play, building forts, and discovering hidden spots alongside characters like Ira, Carol, and Alexander.
The film delves into themes of childhood imagination, emotional turmoil, and the search for belonging. While retaining the visual spirit of Sendak's illustrations, the movie expands on the emotional landscape of the original story, exploring Max's inner world and the sometimes-difficult realities of growing up. The Wild Things themselves embody various facets of Max's own emotions, making his interactions with them a journey of self-discovery.
Categorized as family, fantasy, drama, and adventure, the film has a runtime of 101 minutes. It has garnered a critical reception that reflects its unique approach, holding a 73% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 71 out of 100. The film's take on the classic tale highlights the imaginative escape children often seek when confronting confusing or lonely moments.
Why you might be searching for Where the Wild Things Are
People search for "Where the Wild Things Are" to revisit the unique visual style of the Wild Things creatures, the emotional depth of Max's journey, or to understand how the classic children's book was adapted into a feature film.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that the film avoids the typical sanitized portrayal of childhood, instead offering a raw and often confusing perspective on being a child, distinguishing it from more lighthearted animated features.
Read the full reviewAnother point from a review highlighted that the movie is divisive, seen by some as a misunderstood masterpiece and by others as a test of patience, indicating its unique approach to storytelling.
Read the full reviewA reviewer praised Jonze and Dave Eggers for their adaptation, suggesting they crafted a new story that honors Sendak's work despite the book's brevity.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *Where the Wild Things Are* on Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV, and Prime Video. The film is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
*Where the Wild Things Are* is not based on a true story; it is a 2009 fantasy adventure drama film directed by Spike Jonze, based on Maurice Sendak's 1963 children's book of the same name. The film combines live-action, performers in costumes, animatronics, and computer-generated imagery.
At the end of *Where the Wild Things Are*, Max, realizing the difficulties the Wild Things face, decides to leave the island. He creates a token of affection for Carol, apologizes, and expresses his intent to return home. The other Wild Things escort him to his boat, and as he sails away, Carol arrives, howling in response to Max's departure, with Max and the others howling back. Max then returns home and reconciles with his mother.
*Where the Wild Things Are* received generally positive reviews from critics, with many praising Spike Jonze's adaptation for its heartfelt and uncompromising approach. While some critics noted its dark tone and slender narrative might be off-putting for some, others celebrated its imaginative visuals and exploration of childhood emotions.