The Sea Beast Review: A Beautiful If Familiar Escape

Netflix takes viewers on a high seas adventure for their newest animated feature, The Sea Beast.

The Sea Beast is set in a world where incredible creatures roam the sea, pursued by the exalted Hunters. The greatest and most celebrated of these Hunters is Jacob Holland.

Jacob’s world is turned upside down when he crosses paths with a young orphan named Maisie Brumble, and the two set off on an adventure that might change the world. 

You’re not wrong if you think that sounds like an exciting starting point for a story and doesn’t take long for The Sea Beast to deliver on that excitement. The film jumps into the action quickly and from the very first frames, it is a visual treat. Without question, The Sea Beast’s biggest strength is its stunning animation.

The fast, fluid action of the battles and the beautiful seascape panoramas make the adventure feel as big and magnificent as the creatures at the story’s center. The vibrant and crisp animation creates a dazzling world for viewers to escape to.  

So from that perspective, it is a worthy addition to the swashbuckling epics that inspire it. 

The character and emotional story of The Sea Beast takes a bit longer to hit its stride, though. The film does an excellent job of introducing Maise and creating a character you immediately care about. Otherwise, however, it’s a good forty minutes until the movie becomes something more than fun and pretty to look at.

It isn’t until Maise and Jacob separate from the rest of Jacob’s crew that the story finds its heart and pulls viewers in as much with its characters’ journeys as with the visual showcase of its adventure. 

Once it does, all the pieces come together, and it’s hard not to be charmed and a little moved by the film. 

The Sea Beast isn’t unoriginal or anything like that. The world and the creatures are creative and imaginative. Still, the important beats of the story are familiar enough to guess where things are headed rather quickly. 

There’s nothing wrong with that. The film hits those beats well. But viewers shouldn’t go into the movie expecting to be surprised by the plot or the character arcs. This isn’t groundbreaking storytelling. However, it tells that familiar story well and in a captivating, unique world that keeps things fresh. 

One of the more interesting aspects of the movie is the way it explores mythmaking and how stories shape our understanding of the world. It encourages viewers to ask questions and challenge assumptions even if it makes us question how we see ourselves. 

The Sea Beast likely won’t be a movie that adults fall in love with. Not in the way many of us fell in love with certain Pixar films or other classics, anyway. Still, it’s a fun diversion for all ages and something parents can enjoy watching with their kids.

If viewers are looking for an easy escape or a family-friendly movie night, The Sea Beast has you covered. 

Stray Thoughts

• I would have loved to have spent more time on the Sea Beasts’ island and seen more of their world.
• There is a lot of potential for more worldbuilding and new creatures. I can easily see this being spun off into a follow-up TV series. 
• If you have a chance to see the film on the big screen, you should. The visuals make it well worth it. 
• Zaris-Angel Hator, who voices Maise, does a fantastic job. She brings Maise to life with tremendous wit, charm, and humor.

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What did you think of The Sea Beast? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Sea Beast will be available to stream on Netflix starting July 8.

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