Skeptic, dreamer, realist, and… Yeti. Here, a unique yet incredibly fun group of misfits take on a journey that will shape their lives forever. 

Directed by Jill Culton and Todd Wilderman, this latest film from Dreamworks Animation tells the story of Yi (Chloe Bennet), a young girl living in China. Yi is going through a particularly difficult time in her life brought about by the loss of somebody she loved very much. Due to this grief, the young girl disconnects herself from the rest of her family. She does everything in her power to gather money so she can escape and travel the world. Her situation changes when she finds an incredible creature: a baby yeti that she calls Everest (Joseph Izzo). Alongside Peng, (Albert Tsai) who is obsessed with basketball and the social media-loving Jin (Tenzing Norgay Trainor), Yi decides to help the clumsy yeti return home — to the real Mount Everest. However, the road trip is not simple. After the creature escapes the scientific lab he’s held in, he’s chased by Mr. Burnish (Eddie Izzard) and his best scientist, Dr. Zara (Sarah Paulson) who aim to capture him once more.

Even though the character of Yeti often takes the films focus with his charm, the central focus is Yi’s story. Living with her mum (Michelle Wong) and Nai Nai (Tsai Chin), the girl distances herself as much as she possibly can. The grief she experiences after the loss of her father is too intense for her to handle in some moments. One thing that was so magical for Yi and her dad was a violin. Now, she can barely stand playing and only does so when there is nobody around. That’s why the appearance of a furry beast was something that Yi desperately needed. One can think about Everest’s character as an allegory — the one thing that supports Yi’s improvement of her emotional wellness. Mental health is a very critical element to the film, and that’s why Abominable is such an extraordinary tale. It presents the tough subject to a young audience with intelligent discourse and remarkable scenes full of colour.

Culton and Wilderman have created an animation that is full of action, twists and emotional punches to the gut. The details of their work are exceptional; from each meticulously placed hair on Everest to every unique snowflake that falls. Jill Culton, who not only co-directed but also wrote the story of Yi and her furry friend, decided to originate the main character in China. These young girls need to see themselves on screen and experience a female protagonist that looks like them achieving her goals. 

Everest, Yi, Jin, and Peng create an unusual bond. During their adventure, they not only fight the evil scientists but also get closer than they’ve ever been before. Abominable is a thrilling, loaded-with-feelings roller-coaster. It’s going to be appreciated by the young audience for its sense of wonder and by their parents because of its essential themes of mental health, grief and the importance of family that even their children can grasp.

Abominable is out in UK cinemas on October 11th

by Zofia Wijaszka

Zofia lives in LA and is passionate about pop culture, television and Stevie Nicks. She graduated from the University of Wroclaw, Poland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Social Communication with Creative Writing. Her work revolves around women in television and film. She previously has written for GirlTalkHQ, Reel Honey and Polish film portals. She loves the Scream movies, Carol and Big Little Lies. She wants Sarah Paulson to be her buddy and go for drinks with her. Her Twitter – @zoshugrochu