Hilda Review!

Alright! Today I'm reviewing the first two seasons of the animated Netflix series Hilda, based on the novels of the same name, about a little girl named Hilda who moves into Troll City after her house is destroyed by a giant. Now with her two best friends, she navigates a weird and magical world with kindness, neverending positivity, and reassuring 

The greatest thing about Hilda is its uninhibited need for adventure and exploration. Like the title character, the series refuses to be stopped on its environmental journies, often teaching valuable and creative lessons about the effect we have on nature and how to better coexist with not only our environment but also our fellow human beings. It's humanitarian through and through, with enough clever spins on the lessons to never be predictable. 

The other remarkable thing about Hilda is its animation. It looks exactly like a warm and friendly children's book brought to life, a comic you loved as a child now animated with fluid movement. The color palette adds to this, coming in very comforting shades of autumn oranges, yellows, reds, browns, and blues that make the entire series heartachingly beautiful. It's not set during fall per se, but the colors chosen make it the best Halloween show since Over the Garden Wall. 

It's also outrageously funny, with dry British wit thrown in and a plethora of odd magical creatures that are all very funny when in conflict with Hilda herself. It also gives the protagonist much to do throughout the seasons, be it making new friends, learning to live in the city, or making peace with the terrifying trolls that wander outside the city walls. Additionally, the feature-length film Hilda and the Mountain King, has Hilda (and the townsfolk) directly address their prejudices and fears in a way that's both topical and kind. 

Hilda was most special, however, when it did things only Hilda could do. Halfway through the pilot episode, you can tell that this is going to be something special as she easily navigates a world filled with skyscraper giants, a strange Wood Man, organized elves, and, of course, the trolls. Hilda is a show about learning, and she slowly betters herself and others by being open to communication and having a genuine want to learn about others. 

Hilda is also outrageously clever in the way it deals with high-concept episodes where time loops, interdimensional pockets, and cosmic deerfox travel. All of it is done in a smart and savvy way, wonderfully voice acted and scored to perfection. The supporting cast of characters is all likable and hilarious - the insecure and easily frightened David is likely to bring the largest laughs to anyone watching. 

Hilda is fun for all ages, a truly livable world that inspires a deep sense of longing and fondness when you remember all the fun adventures that Hilda and the gang went on. It's a series about kindness, exploration, and communication, episodic with a warm and vibrant feeling of celebration, and at the end of the day it is perfect for children, parents who happen to watch, and anyone else who needs to see a kind face and think of better times. 

Overall, I give Hilda a 10/10. "Like the protagonist, Hilda is extraordinary in every sense of the word." 

A Peanuts show in this style would be perfect.