- Abominable (2019) Movie Review
Sometimes, a film doesn’t have to be groundbreaking to be beautiful—it just needs heart. Abominable (2019), directed by Jill Culton, may follow a familiar storyline, but it delivers warmth, wonder, and breathtaking animation that make it a joy to watch. This animated adventure tells the story of Yi, a determined teenage girl living in Shanghai, who stumbles upon a young yeti on her apartment rooftop. She soon names him Everest and, along with her friends Jin and Peng, embarks on a journey to return him to his home in the Himalayas. However, they must outwit a greedy businessman and a zoologist who want to capture Everest for their own purposes.
One of the film’s strongest aspects is its animation. The visuals are stunning, from the lively cityscapes of Shanghai to the vast and dreamy landscapes of China. Every frame feels alive, with vibrant colors and a sense of magic that makes the journey even more captivating. The use of light and weather effects, especially when Everest reveals his supernatural abilities, adds to the film’s breathtaking beauty.
Beyond its visual appeal, Abominable carries a heartfelt emotional core. Yi is not just an adventurous teenager—she is also coping with the loss of her father, and her journey with Everest becomes more than just a mission to get him home. It becomes a journey of healing. Her love for music, particularly her violin playing, becomes a recurring theme, beautifully tying into her emotions and the magical moments in the film. The soundtrack, featuring soothing and powerful violin compositions, adds to the emotional depth and makes the story even more touching.
That said, Abominable doesn’t reinvent the wheel. The story follows a predictable path, much like other animated road-trip adventures (E.T., How to Train Your Dragon, and Finding Nemo come to mind). The villains, while serving their purpose, feel a bit one-dimensional, lacking the depth that could have made them more compelling. Despite these minor shortcomings, the film’s emotional sincerity and sense of adventure make up for its familiarity.
In the end, Abominable is a film that reminds us of the importance of friendship, resilience, and embracing the magic of the world around us. It’s a visually stunning, heartfelt adventure that will leave audiences, especially families and young viewers, feeling uplifted. While it may not break new ground in storytelling, it succeeds in delivering a warm and magical experience that lingers long after the credits roll. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars—a film well worth watching for its beauty, charm, and heart.