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The great mythical sea monsters seen on medieval and Renaissance maps were not always meant to be taken literally.
Even back then, in other words, they were there largely to inspire the sedentary observers imagination.
But theres a similar leap of imagination at play here.
Its so thoroughly immersive it might make you believe in sea monsters.
Even the human character designs feel only a couple of degrees removed from reality.
His features have been stretched out a bit too far for that.
(And besides, this isnt aFinal Fantasy: The Spirits Withinstyle attempt to pioneer fake humans onscreen.)
Theres something physically very believable about these characters.
They move like real people, and they move through a world that feels breathtakingly tactile and tangible.
Now, Redisstylized and unreal.
One look at it and you know it cannot be the murderous demon of these hunters imaginations.
At one point, Maisie walks on Reds back and sees the many harpoons sticking out of the creature.
Its a haunting image that director Chris Williams knows how to milk for maximum emotional impact.
Theres certainly something familiar aboutThe Sea Beast, but its a welcome familiarity.
This feels like the kind of rip-roaring, old-fashioned live-action seafaring adventure Hollywood often promises but rarely delivers.
