Netflix - Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl - A Triumphant Return for the Beloved Duo

By Mulder, 02 january 2025

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, the eagerly anticipated sixth installment in the Wallace & Gromit series, has soared to critical acclaim as it reintroduces the lovable yet chaotic inventor and his ever-loyal dog, Gromit, in a thrilling new escapade. Directed by Nick Park and Merlin Crossingham, this feature-length adventure marks their return to cinema after a 19-year hiatus, following the Oscar-winning The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Produced by Aardman Animations in collaboration with the BBC and Netflix, the film sees the duo face off against their old nemesis, Feathers McGraw, in a tale brimming with ingenuity, mischief, and the timeless charm fans have come to adore. The plot revolves around Wallace’s latest creation, Norbot, a robotic garden gnome intended to simplify life but hijacked by the cunning penguin Feathers McGraw to orchestrate a grand revenge. The ensuing chaos, filled with inventive gadgets, narrowboat chases, and a showdown on an aqueduct, is both a nostalgic nod to the series' roots and a fresh exploration of the dynamic between man, dog, and technology.

Premiering at the American Film Institute Festival in Hollywood on October 27, 2024, and airing on BBC One on Christmas Day, the film became an instant cultural phenomenon, drawing 9.38 million viewers—the second-highest UK broadcast since 2022. It is set to stream globally on Netflix starting January 3, 2025. Critics and fans alike have praised the film, awarding it a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers highlighting its delightful blend of humor, suspense, and heartfelt storytelling. The collaboration between veteran composer Julian Nott and Lorne Balfe delivers a captivating score that balances high-stakes action with whimsical undertones, further cementing the film's appeal. Aardman’s meticulous craftsmanship shines throughout, from the intricate stop-motion techniques to the painstakingly designed puppets, which included 56 variations of Norbot alone. The film's production team of over 200 specialists achieved an extraordinary feat, blending traditional stop-motion with modern visual effects to craft a visually stunning yet tactile experience.

The journey to bring Vengeance Most Fowl to life was a herculean effort spanning five years, with an array of challenges, including sourcing materials following the shutdown of the factory producing the iconic modeling clay. Nevertheless, the filmmakers persevered, ensuring that the beloved aesthetic of Wallace & Gromit remained intact while subtly updating the characters and settings to reflect the 1990s, a period chosen for its burgeoning technological context. The narrative cleverly juxtaposes Wallace’s boundless optimism and naivety with Gromit’s steadfast practicality and heroism, a dynamic that resonates universally. Feathers McGraw, the enigmatic penguin with an affinity for criminal masterminds, is as menacing as ever, his silent yet expressive demeanor amplified by clever lighting and animation techniques that evoke the tension of film noir.

Behind the scenes, the creative process was a testament to Aardman’s dedication to innovation and storytelling. Park and Crossingham worked closely with a team of animators, designers, and voice actors to breathe life into the story, blending new and returning talent. Ben Whitehead, stepping into the iconic role of Wallace, paid homage to the late Peter Sallis while making the character his own, delivering a performance filled with warmth and humor. The film also introduced fresh characters, including the enthusiastic police recruit P.C. Mukherjee, voiced by Lauren Patel, whose chemistry with Peter Kay’s Chief Inspector Mackintosh added a delightful layer of comedic interplay. Meanwhile, Reece Shearsmith brought a whimsical edge to Norbot, whose transformation from helpful companion to malevolent minion provided both laughs and chills.

The film’s production also paid homage to the legacy of Wallace & Gromit through its countless nods to past adventures and its playful incorporation of British cultural elements, ensuring its identity remained unmistakably Aardman. From the intricate miniatures used in the aqueduct chase to the hand-crafted resin water effects, every frame is imbued with the artistry and passion that have defined the series. This dedication to detail extends to the film’s thematic exploration of the interplay between technology and humanity, with Wallace’s reliance on inventions humorously juxtaposed against Gromit’s quiet determination to keep his friend grounded. As Nick Park succinctly put it, Machines can’t replace the human touch, a sentiment that resonates profoundly in this latest chapter of their journey.

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is more than a film; it’s a celebration of the enduring appeal of Wallace & Gromit and a promise of more adventures to come. With its blend of heartwarming humor, meticulous craftsmanship, and thrilling action, it reminds us why these characters have become cultural icons. As the curtains close on this remarkable achievement, fans can rest assured that the dynamic duo’s adventures are far from over, with Nick Park affirming, There’s plenty of bounce left in their bungee! Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Wallace & Gromit, Vengeance Most Fowl is a cinematic treat not to be missed.

Synopsis : 
Gromit worries that Wallace has become too dependent on his inventions, after his creation of an intelligent gnome...

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Directed by Nick Park, Merlin Crossingham
Written by Mark Burton
Story by Nick Park, Mark Burton
Based on Wallace & Gromit by Nick Park
Produced by Richard Beek
Starring Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel, Reece Shearsmith
Music by Lorne Balfe (score), Julian Nott (themes)
Production company : Aardman Animations
Distributed by BBC (United Kingdom), Netflix (worldwide)
Release dates : 27 October 2024 (AFI), 25 December 2024 (BBC), 3 January 2025 (Netflix)
Running time : 79 minutes