OUT OF THE NEST: OUT OF THIS WORLD CHARACTERS TAKE FLIGHT  | Children's International Film Festival 2025

OUT OF THE NEST: OUT OF THIS WORLD CHARACTERS TAKE FLIGHT | Children's International Film Festival 2025

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https://www.classiccinemas.com.au/movies/chiff-out-of-the-nest

Date Reviewed: 07/06/2025

Out of the Nest, released in 2024, is a lovely and wonderful film that will captivate children. The film was directed by Andrew Gordon (Pixar), Arturo A. Hernandez (previously at Disney), and Veerapatra Jinanavin.  It is the debut feature animation film from Gordon. The script was written by Gilliam Berrow and Arturo A. Hernandez. The film had its world premiere at the Annecy International Film Festival.  


The film is set in China and starts with a retelling of the past. The Kingdom of Castilia lived in peace and prosperity until one day an evil wizard stole the sun and plunged the land into darkness and wicked magic. The Dark Wizard and the Order of the Claw take power. Seven brave warriors challenge the wizard and take the sun back and restore order to the Kingdom of Castilia. They became known as the Heroes of Castilia as they had saved the empire.


Out of the Nest then takes us to the present day. Arthur the Goat, an overenthusiastic and highly eager barber who initially does not have much talent for hairdressing, lives at an academy with his adopted father, Master Toad. The Master guides Arthur and is a mentor as well as a father figure to him. 


The coronation of Prince Damian is nearing, where the royal must attend the ceremony to greet the sun, so it keeps shining. A dark force known as the Order of the Claw kidnaps Prince Damian's royal heirs, who are eventually rescued by a friend of Master Toad. The royal heirs are unhatched eggs. The rescuer visits Master Toad with the eggs, but the Order of the Claw is not far behind. When the henchmen of the Order of the Claw descend upon the Academy, Master Toad and his friend fight them off and send Arthur out of the Academy with the eggs in tow. 


Arthur is rescued by a mysterious bird called Jacobus, who tells Arthur that he, along with Master Toad, was two of the seven Heroes of Castilia. Along with his parents, who never made it out of the fight alive. After the death of Arthur's parents, Master Toad adopted him. An adventure unfolds where Arthur must protect the eggs, and after they have hatched, the little birds, and take them back to Prince Damian at the palace. 


The movie features no human characters and is composed entirely of animal characters. The film is action-packed, and a lot happens within the story. The scenes are brief and concise, never allowing the audience to become bored by overly long sequences. There is always something happening on screen, with never a dull moment. An epic showdown towards the end of the film will have audiences gripping the edge of their seats. There is a twist in the film that will surprise audiences. 


Though there are comic and light-hearted elements and moments in the film, there is an underlying moral message of service to and care for others. The music never overwhelms the story, rather serving and adding to the film. Standout performances from Arthur the Goat, Master the Toad, and a porcupine. This imaginative world comes to life with detailed and intricate animation and a very original premise and story. 


 Reviewed by Maria Panagiotidis



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