Hilda

Hilda is a show I did not expect to love as much as I do. What could've been passed off as a decent show for children turned out to be a fantastic show for all ages. With an amazing cast of characters, creative world building and strong writing, this show stands toe to toe with the likes of Steven Universe as one of the best cartoons from the 2010s.

Based on the book series by Luke Pearson, the show follows the adventures of the titular blue haired girl, Hilda, alongside her deerfox companion Twig, her friends David and Frida, her elf scribe Alfur and her mother Johanna. Set in the quaint city of Trollberg, each episode of the show finds Hilda exploring the wilderness around the city and discovering fantastical new creatures. In addition to that she learns valuable lessons about actions and consequences, being a good friend and being responsible. The show wisely incorporates genuine stakes in each episode as well as a good amount of humor and a sense of wonder to this world so as to prevent dragging. The show also takes the time to add character to not just the fantastical creatures, but also the people of Trollberg.

Transitioning to the characters, just about every single one of the main cast is well developed, has a strong personality and have excellent chemistry with one another. Starting with our leading lady, Hilda is very much the epitome of an adventurous tomboy with a heart of gold. She's brave, curious, cautious and optimistic, making her a well rounded character audiences can relate to. Her deerfox companion Twig is brave like Hilda but also very loyal and friendly. Plus, he's just got an adorable design that makes me wish he was real. Hilda's Mom, Johanna is a very well written portrayal of a single mother. She's caring, she's helpful, she worries for Hilda and she's also resourceful when the moment calls for it. Alfur is a smart, honest little elf that comes up with genius plans to save the day and his fascination with all of Trollberg is always a treat. David and Frida are two haves of the same coin. David may be fearful and Frida's alot more brave but one thing they have in common is that they couldn't wish for a better friend than Hilda. Hilda actually helps David learn to overcome his fears and her and Frida may have their differences but very much remain good friends. Other notable characters that appear in the show include the librarian, the Wood Man, The Great Raven and the lost elf clan.

In addition to great characters, this show has a very talented voice cast behind it. Bella Ramsey plays Hilda beautifully and makes her sound like a real little girl with a heart of gold. Daisy Haggard gives a very good performance as Johanna, making her sound like a real caring Mom to a very adventurous girl. Ameerah Falzon-Ojo and Oliver Nelson fit the roles of Frida and David perfectly, with Ilan Galkoff providing a beautiful singing voice to David. Thomas & Friends fans will be happy to recognize Rasmus Hardiker as the voice of Alfur as he gives him such a cute and friendly voice that matches his personality.

Visually, the show looks stupendous. Mercury Filmworks and Atomic Cartoons provided the animation for the show and it looks amazing. The color palette has a nice autumn feel to it, the animation feels so smooth and natural and the designs of the characters are all unique fit with their personalities. I especially love the designs of the fantastical creatures and how no two creatures are alike. I once again have to bring up that Twigs design is so adorable. When he sleeps he curls up into a ball with his long tail wrapped around and it's just so cute.

Hilda is without a doubt one of Netflix's best cartoons and it's not hard to see why. It's got a great cast of characters, amazing animation, stellar voice work, and strong, clever writing. Really the only gripe I have is in Season 2, the head of safety patrol Erik Alhberg is just an arrogant town's hero who only cares about the glory. Thankfully the rest of the cast is so great I'm willing to let it slide. If you haven't seen Hilda yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. I guarantee you'll want to explore this world too as much as Hilda.

One of the best shows ever. The world is amazing, the characters are fun and dynamic. Brings out the child in everyone

I absolutley love everything about this show! The art is amazing and so creative, the imagination that went into the show entirely is amazing! I had originally put this show on for my little one and instead i got caught up watching the show like a zombie with him. (No cleaning was done haha) It really is fun for all ages! It also teaches children and whom ever is watching it about compassion and communication so you can pull something educational from every episode. And let's be honest the world can always use more of that! And It always has something new in every episode that keeps you hooked all the way thru the entire season! I hope they create a second season!!!!!

This show centers around the girl Hilda who lives in a phantastical world featuring all sorts of creatures. Hilda is a very likeable character from the start: she is very brave, kind and always looking for an adventure but she isn't perfect. There are also great side characters like her mother, her friends David and Frieda and a number of mythical creatures. The show proves to be very imaginative as it comes up with many quirky and pecuilar creatures, putting a new spin on familiar concepts.

While the show centers around Hilda's adventure's it's also concerned with a lot of relatable themes like finding new friends, the question of what home is and family - which is represented by the heartwarming relationship between Hilda and her mother.

What stands out is the fact that there is no simple division in good and evil, the world Hilda inhabits is much more complex. Creatures that appear to be evil at first glance usually turn out to be anything but and conflicts always have two sides. Hilda, though, always manages to solve the conflicts with communication and compromise, offering a very positive worldview.

All in all it can be said that "Hilda" is a imaginative and intelligent show for both children and adult alike and I can only advise to watch it!

This feels so much like childhood. It a cozy fall evening near the fire. The colours and the artistic direction is stunning. In my childhood I used to read Calvin & Hobbes and Peanuts and it feels like going back to those small lighthearted adventures where you're immagnation is the limit. The creatures seem to be coming out of a child fantasy and they recall so much that part of me I always end up drowned in the atmosphere and wanting to come back to rewatch again the same adventure, for the simple feel of it, just like I'd always come back for the same old book of strips I had