‘The Sea Beast’ Review – Netflix’s Swashbuckling Adventure

Animation is one of the best forms of storytelling. An animated lens shows the highs and lows with limitless potential. It’s why Disney has been a household name for nearly 100 years. These stories are able to be timeless because it doesn’t have to rely on the crazy visual effects modern blockbusters do. Animation is a medium that truly captures the power of cinema because it transports us to new and exciting worlds. Netflix has taken advantage of the animation space with shows like Arcane and Love, Death, and Robots, but how does their latest animated feature fair? That brings us to Netflix’s film, The Sea Beast.

This animated flick takes us across the ocean in a breath-taking adventure! The Sea Beast is a story about Maisie Brumble (Zaris-Angel Hator), a young girl who stows away on the ship of sea monster hunters. Maisie and crewman Jacob Holland (Karl Urban) discover more about the mystical creatures and the fantastic world outside their shoreline.

The Sea Beast is written by Chris Williams (Moana) and Nell Benjamin (Unhappily Ever After), with Williams, also taking on the role of director. The film’s plot is relatively simple; Maisie and Jacob must learn to work together as they travel across the world while also learning the truth about the sea creatures. While this is a very straightforward adventure film, it will win your heart simply by how gorgeous it is. The water, ships, and animals are all beautifully animated. With most CG animated films feeling like they all fall into the Disney mold, The Sea Beast managed to give us a fresh take, crafting an incredibly vibrant world full of life.

A story is only as good as its characters, and thankfully the main cast delivered. Maisie is adorable, and Zaris-Angel Hator captures the innocence and strength needed to make a compelling character. We also have to give Karl Urban credit and his captivating performance as Jacob Holland. Jacob is a savvy sailor who is tough as nails, yet a big softy when Maisie enters his life. Unfortunately, Urban doesn’t say “oi” one time in the film.

The two’s dynamic is something we have seen done to death in various media over the years. Think Logan and Laura from Logan, Loid and Anya in Spy x Family, or even Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us Part I. The father/daughter dynamic is tried and true, and The Sea Beast handles it well. As far as the rest of the cast, they all do great jobs as well. Jared Harris plays a terrific foil as the intimidating and stoic Captain Crow. Marianne Jean-Baptiste is also a standout as Sarah Sharpe.

The only real negative about the movie is that it’s a pretty by-the-numbers story. We’ve seen movies about pirates, sea monsters, and pretty much every single idea presented in The Sea Beast. The film tells a fun story, but it doesn’t offer anything unique.

The Sea Beast is a fun film that the entire family will enjoy, but it’s also a by-the-numbers action adventure with little new to say. It’s a story about overcoming our pre-conceived notions, self-discovery and ultimately changing for the better. I highly recommend checking out The Sea Beast if you love animation. It’s a solid movie all-around.

The Sea Beast is now available to stream worldwide on Netflix.