Is ZOOks Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of ZOOks (2018), audiences are invited back into the world of Animation. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A contemporary fairy tale about humans and nature, with kings, good guys, bad guys, and young heroes. Thirteen-year-old Robin lives in a world where nature is taboo. Plants are dirty, butterflies are dangerous, and the forest is strictly off-limits. The reign of terror of King Ferdinand and his Bureau for Nature Control (BNC) keeps humans and nature at a safe distance from each other. One day, Robin's mother Marjolein disappears during a mission in the forest. Against her better judgment, Robin ventures into the forest in search of answers. There she meets Wolf, an "enfant sauvage." He seems to know more..."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Tine Reymer attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Animation. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is ZOOks worth your time? If you appreciate Animation films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, ZOOks misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.