With Lydia and the Storm Shipits sixth animated feature film, Quebec production house 10e Ave offers charming family entertainment, perfect for spring break.
The film transports us to a fantastic world where the seas are made of mists. After seeing her older brother, Thaddeus, being kidnapped by the Mesmer, Lydia, a young 11-year-old orphan, sets out to search for him across the Sea of Mists.
Taken in by the crew of the Dauphin, a flying sailboat, she quickly becomes friends with the captain’s son. Despite her misgivings about her intrepid temperament, the ship’s astrological magician, Ambrosia, agrees to take her under her wing by entrusting her with the role of apprentice.
When she discovers that several other children have also been captured by the Mesmer, and that he is stealing their memories, Lydia will have to learn to master astrmagic in order to face the mysterious magician.
Photo provided by Maison 4:3
A captivating universe
Without having the means of major Hollywood productions of the genre, this beautiful animated film, loosely based on children’s books by author Yves Meynard, does not lack ambition. Built like a true adventure story, the new creation from the 10e Ave team (Katak, the brave beluga, Nelly and Simon: Yeti Mission) seduced by its visual qualities, its careful animation and its captivating universe, tinged with elements borrowed from fantastic cinema.
The film is full of inspiring and endearing characters, starting with Lydia, a heroine with whom young spectators will easily identify. Well crafted, the screenplay written by Émilie Rosas explores deeper themes, such as family ties and the importance of memories, while remaining faithful to its primary vocation of offering accessible family entertainment.
Carried by an all-star cast (Anthony Kavanagh, Gildor Roy, Dorothée Berryman…), the film also benefits from solid vocal performances, notably that of Sophie Nélisse, impeccable in the title role.
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5
- Lydia and the Storm Shipan animated film by Philippe Arseneau Bussières, Nancy Florence Savard and Émilie Rosas with the voices of Sophie Nélisse, Anthony Kavanagh, Dorothée Berryman and Gildor Roy.
