Hello and welcome to Movie Reviews 2026 – your indispensable guide to film.
In this week’s edition, you’ll find a dash of horror hijinks via new streaming title, The Cycle; plus over on the big screen there’s sci-fi drama courtesy of Klara and the Sun. And then on top of all this there’s family fantasy fun with Wildwood.
This last movie comes from director Travis Knight (Masters of the Universe, Bumblebee, Kubo and the Two Strings) and arrives during the half-term holidays. So, if it’s a spot of escapism you’re after, check out the review below to see if this is one for you.
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Now streaming…
The Cycle (2026)
OK, first up this week it’s over to streaming for the horror-thriller, The Cycle. Directed and co-written by Jordan Downey, the movie stars Deborah Ann Woll and Jeffrey Donovan, and follows the story of a forensic whiz who is asked to look into a series of unexplained deaths.
A number of bodies have cropped up with unusual injuries, prompting the police to enlist the aid of forensic anthropologist, Dr. Meg Garland. But amongst these bodies is Meg’s father, who has been missing for 36 years and is somehow caught up in something sinister.
OK, let me be clear here: The Cycle has many things going for it. The movie looks great, with some fab cinematography from Kevin Stewart; the cast are superb, with Deborah Ann Woll excellent in the role of Meg; and the initial setup about the bodies with unusual injuries is fairly intriguing, and starts the film off down an interesting path.
There are also a couple of unsettling scenes, which appear early into the picture, and add some horror. The scenes aren’t particularly scary, but they are a bit creepy.
All of this is good stuff and The Cycle is very watchable. So, thumbs up.
However, this is where I insert a warning: The Cycle is quite slow. At times, the story moves at a snail’s pace, spending a little too long teasing the mystery, meaning those who want a bit of energy or excitement during the first two thirds won’t necessarily get it. You’ve been warned.
But those who keep going will be rewarded. Once The Cycle moves into the final third, the movie really hits its stride and this is where the picture is at its strongest.
It also becomes clear what type of movie this is. The truth about the bodies is revealed; the horror is ramped up considerably; and some good old fashioned practical effects are introduced which are wonderfully freaky.
I won’t spoil the big revelation, but fans of old school monster movies will enjoy what’s on offer. So, stick with it – that’s the best advice.
Of course, the pacing of The Cycle does ultimately throw a spanner in the works a bit. There’s a lot of gold in here, that’s for sure, but The Cycle isn’t as strong as it could be because of the way it draws things out for the vast majority of its runtime.
It’s difficult to get completely lost in a film that unspools at a crawl. The balance between spooky crime thriller and creature feature also feels a little uneven at times, creating a picture which often seems like a mishmash of two ideas.
But all this aside, The Cycle has something. When it works, it works well.
Should you wish to take a look, The Cycle is now streaming on Shudder.
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In cinemas…
Klara and the Sun (2026)
Over to the cinema now for the dystopian sci-fi drama, Klara and the Sun. Directed and co-written by Taika Waititi, and starring Jenna Ortega, Amy Adams, Natasha Lyonne, Mia Tharia, and Rachel House, the movie centres around an artificially intelligent android who bonds with a sick human girl.
In the movie, Klara is an Artificial Friend who is chosen by Josie to become her best pal. This is something Klara was born to do (and longed for) and wants nothing more than to make Josie happy.
But Josie’s mother, Chrissie is not so keen. She agreed to purchase Klara for Josie but doesn’t believe this friendship will work out and a keeps a close eye on everything Klara does.
However, Chrissie’s concern isn’t just directed at the new android companion. Previously there has been tragedy in the household, and she worries a similar tragedy will befall Josie.
Based on the book of the same name by Kazuo Ishiguro, Klara and the Sun is a whimsical movie which you’ll either connect with or you won’t. Those who have read the book may favour the original text, while those who come into this movie fresh may find it serves them well enough.
There’s certainly much to offer. The direction from Taika Waititi is light, and not overly whacky like some of his previous films; the core cast are all first-rate, especially Jenna Ortega as Klara and the always brilliant Amy Adams as Chrissie; while the story about an A.I. bot finding a friend makes for an easy watch.
OK, so Klara and the Sun doesn’t delve as deep as maybe it could, nor does it really add a great deal to the conversation about A.I intergrating with humans, but there is still plenty of substance.
A running theme throughout the movie is grief, including anticipatory grief, and there’s also commentary about purpose, belonging, class, and the passage of time. The film also focuses on Klara’s obsession with the sun and her belief it is a life-giving being, which is in contrast to humans who take the sun for granted.
As noted above, Ortega and Adams are outstanding in their roles, and their strained relationship becomes a key element of the movie. Klara wants to belong, and to be the perfect friend for Josie, while Chrissie is very wary of Klara, and is carrying a great deal of emotional baggage connected to the fragility of her family.
Chrissie has lost one daughter already, and her second daughter, Josie, is very ill. Chrissies wants to hold onto Josie as long as possible, and she’s unsure of Klara’s place amongst this situation.
Over time, Chrissie’s feelings change, in a couple of different ways, and this opens up further discussion about existence. All the while, Klara is learning more about the world around her, soaking up information and experiences accordingly, which is interesting to watch.
Since going on general release, Klara and the Sun has received a great deal of negativity from some critics, which I personally don’t prescribe to. For the most part, Klara and the Sun is a delight to watch, and even if it doesn’t quite push all of its ideas as much as it should, there are some perfectly decent developments which keep the story ticking along nicely.
Plus, the casting is great, as is the staging, and with a smattering of humour, there’s some fun to be had. If you wish to take a look for yourself, Klara and the Sun is currently playing in cinemas.
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In cinemas…
Wildwood (2026)
And finally, sticking with the big screen for the stop-motion animated fantasy, Wildwood. Directed by Travis Knight, based on a book by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis, and featuring the voice talents of Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Jacob Tremblay, Carey Mulligan, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafina, Angela Bassett, and Richard E. Grant, the movie follows the story of two teenagers who travel to an enchanted forest in search of a kidnapped infant.
In the film, Prue McKeel ignores her parents’ instructions and takes her baby brother, Mac outside to play while they are away for the afternoon. However, while at the playground with her friend, Curtis, a murder of crows swoop down and abduct Mac.
Prue and Curtis pursue the crows into the Impassable Wilderness (aka Wildwood), which lies at the edge of town, where they encounter bandits, talking animals, and a mysterious dowager governess. From here, Prue must uncover hidden secrets, while fighting her way through the wood to retrieve her brother.
Optioned fifteen years ago in 2011 by animation specialists, Laika, before going into production in 2021, the arrival of Wildwood has been a long time coming. Along the way it has clearly been a labour of love for all involved, none more so than director Travis Knight.
Wildwood is not only a complete delight of a film, as well as an imaginative fantasy romp, but it is also one of the best movies of the year and one which has been given the A-grade treatment. The level of detail and the sheer scale of the stop-motion is incredible; the storytelling and world building epic; and everything from the voice cast through to the sound and lighting first rate.
There’s nothing remotely critical to say about Wildwood. Every line, every freckle, every leaf, every movement, and every speck of blood has been carefully considered.
So, erm, as far as this review goes, I guess I’m done, right? Well, not quite.
I mentioned blood because there is a few dashes of the red stuff, along with some death, plenty of peril, and one or two tense scenes. It’s worth noting Wildwood is a ‘12A’ in the UK, a ‘PG-13’ in the US, so very young audiences may find it dark at times (because it is).
That’s not to say audiences on the very young end of the age scale won’t be OK with what’s on offer, it’s merely me highlighting the rating for clarity. You know, I do that occasionally, to help everyone out.
So, nothing negative or critical to say. Travis Knight delivered Masters of the Universe earlier in the year, and it was a lot of fun, and here he comes again offering up another slice of rather enjoyable fantasy on an epic scale!
I’m talking flocking birds fighting rival flocking birds; heroes battling it out with villains; and lots of imagination at every turn. Wildwood is a movie to get lost in for a good couple of hours (and a bit more) and is great viewing at this time of year while the weather is being a bit poo.
So, grab the kids, grab the adults, grab the fantasy fans, the animation aficionados, and anyone who is just hanging around, and go take a look. Wildwood makes for a delightful afternoon at the cinema, so be sure not to let this one pass you by.
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Recent Releases
Not quite done yet? Want more movies? The above suggestions aren’t enough?! Well, here’s what’s also doing the rounds:
Clayface (2026)
“If you’ve caught a trailer for Clayface or you’ve seen the poster and you’re curious, be sure to take a look. It’s not perfect, but it does work very well and it gets the tone and atmosphere down rather nicely.”
Street Fighter (2026)
“The fight choreography is there, the characters look game accurate, and the soundtrack is filled with plenty of ‘90s hits (you don’t see me complaining about that), but there’s no substance. It would actually be more fun to just play the game and listen to some old mixtapes then sit through this picture, so my advice is to just do that.”
Whalefall (2026)
“Getting stuck in the tummy of a whale is not something anyone wants to experience, and is presumably the equivalent of getting stuck in a screening of Street Fighter – horrific. But watching Whalefall is far more agreeable, and something you may wish to do if you’re after a gripping survival picture.”
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Movie of the Week
Onto Movie of the Week, which this week is going to Wildwood. This is a superb fantasy adventure – highly recommended.
And if you like Wildwood you may wish to check out these other films from animation experts, Laika:
- Coraline (2009) – Henry Selick directs this dark fantasy horror about a young girl who uncovers a twisted alternate universe.
- ParaNorman (2012) – Sam Fell and Chris Butler direct this comedy horror about a young boy who can communicate with ghosts.
- Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) – Travis Knight helms this fantasy about a young boy who sets out to defeat the person responsible for stealing his left eye.
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Best of the Best
And that’s it for this week, but if you’re still searching for great movies, then you may wish to take a look at the Best Movies of 2026. From Project Hail Mary to Bad Apples, the biggest, brightest, and er… bestest movies of the year are all here.
Have a look, see what you might have missed, and add ‘em to your watchlist. You know it makes sense.
Alex
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Thank you for stopping by It’s A Stampede! to read this edition of Movie Reviews 2026. For more posts be sure to check out the recommended reads below.
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