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Zootopia 2
In a bustling animal metropolis where predators and prey co-exist, rabbit-officer Judy Hopps and fox-detective Nick Wilde return when a slippery new villain — a reptile named Gary De’Snake — threatens to expose deep social divides. As they dig into a sprawling conspiracy, their bond and beliefs face the ultimate test.
Director
Jared Bush & Byron Howard (Zootopia)
Voice Actors
Ginnifer Goodwin • Jason Bateman • Ke Huy Quan • Idris Elba • Shakira
1h 48m • Rated PG • Animation, Adventure, Comedy • USA
The island setting, the modest production, and the humor that often arises from character rather than contrivance work together to keep the film from ever feeling flat. On the flip side, a few feel the pacing is uneven, or that the secondary characters don’t always land. Still, even these criticisms tend to be soft and in the service of a film that is more heartwarming than perfect.
Overall, the consensus sees The Ballad of Wallis Island as a warm, wistful, and soul-soothing film—modest in scope but rich in feeling. It’s not trying to dazzle, but it digs in where it matters: loss, memory, music, human connection. For many, it’s one of the more emotionally satisfying films of 2025.
The Ballad of Wallis Island is a quietly charming British comedy-drama directed by James Griffiths, written by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key, alongside Carey Mulligan. The story centers on Charles, a lonely lottery winner living on a remote Welsh island, who invites his favorite folk duo—Herb McGwyer and Nell Mortimer—to reunite for a private performance. His motive isn’t just fandom; there are unresolved heartbreaks, nostalgia, and grief behind his idealistic gesture.
Critics are largely enamored with the film’s balance of humor and melancholy. Tim Key’s performance as Charles is praised for being endearingly awkward, verbose, and heart-on-sleeve, often using verbal wit to stave off silence. Basden as Herb, and Mulligan as Nell, deliver subtle, emotionally resonant performances, especially when the old romantic and artistic tensions surface—and you begin to feel what’s been lost, as well as what hope might remain. The original music is another highlight; the songs feel lived in, and the film uses them not as spectacle, but as emotional anchors.
Some reviewers point out that the premise is familiar—a fan’s devotee, reunited artists, romantic regrets—but argue that the execution elevates it.
CRITICS ROUNDUP
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Zootopia 2
Fri 19 Dec 1:00pm ncp
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At the same time, some critics note that Zootopia 2 leans more heavily on spectacle than subtlety — the new conspiracy plot, while ambitious, occasionally feels overstuffed, and the tonal balance tilts toward lighter comedy when the stakes get serious. A few reviews argue that the film’s messaging on prejudice and social division, though still present, doesn’t reach quite the moral sharpness of the original. Nonetheless, the majority sentiment is positive: the sequel is seen as a fun, thoughtful expansion of the Zootopia universe that entertains without compromising its heart.
Critics Roundup
A colourful, smarter sequel that grows its world while staying true to its heart.
Critics generally agree that Zootopia 2 delivers a worthy and timely sequel that builds on the original’s heart and humour while expanding its scope and stakes. The film is praised for its lush animation and inventive world-building: the vibrant city of Zootopia feels bigger and more alive than ever, with clever new areas, wildlife variety, and imaginative details that invite repeated viewing. Reviewers highlight how Judy and Nick’s partnership is deepened this time around — their chemistry and character growth grounding the film’s broader mystery and social themes. New voice performances, especially Ke Huy Quan’s reptilian antagonist, add freshness and tension, raising the stakes and giving the story real urgency.