Animal Farm: Andy Serkis Reimagines Orwell’s Classic
Animal Farm is set to hit theaters on a yet-to-be-determined date. This review is based on a screening at the 2025 Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
A Bold New Approach to a Timeless Tale
While George Orwell’s Animal Farm has long been a staple in educational settings, it’s far from a conventional form of family entertainment. Director Andy Serkis aims to revitalize this satirical classic with an animated vision that speaks to contemporary audiences. However, in this ambitious reinterpretation, some complexities of the original narrative are lost.
Simplified Satire Meets Modern Business Critique
Gone are the explicit references to the Russian Revolution and the intricate critiques of Stalinism which mark Orwell’s work. Instead, Serkis opts for a broader, more digestible narrative that reflects the modern world’s struggles with capitalism. The story centers on the rise of the power-hungry pig dictator, Napoleon, voiced by Seth Rogen in an unexpected yet brilliant performance that straddles humor and menace.
This animated reimagining trades a chilling atmosphere for something lighter, ultimately asking the question: can we make Orwell’s message palatable for a younger audience?
Plot Overview: The Seeds of Rebellion
The film begins with the livestock living under the neglectful Farmer Jones, portrayed by Serkis himself. When the animals realize they’re headed for an ominous fate at the slaughterhouse, they ignite a rebellion. However, the initial excitement of freedom—represented by their newfound ability to read, write, and speak—quickly fades as Napoleon takes control.
Serkis cleverly amplifies the dramatic transformation from the idealism of the original leaders, Old Major (also Serkis) and Snowball (voiced by Laverne Cox), to Napoleon’s ruthless exploitation of power. His quest for acceptance among a cadre of wealth-driven billionaires mirrors contemporary corporate greed, making the film resonate with audiences in 2025.
A Shift from Politics to Crime Drama
In a notable pivot, Serkis reinterprets Napoleon as a gangster rather than a mere politician. The film adopts a lens similar to that of A Bronx Tale or Goodfellas, weaving the narrative through the eyes of Lucky, a young piglet (voiced by Gaten Matarazzo) embroiled in a corrupt society. This reinterpretation transitions the story into a more simplistic moral tale about right and wrong, echoing familiar tropes found in Hollywood.
A Family-Friendly Adventure with Relatable Characters
Despite its simplified messaging, Animal Farm presents itself as an engaging family film. The adventure and humor infused in the storytelling contribute to an enjoyable viewing experience, buoyed by strong voice performances.
Rogen’s casting as Napoleon brilliantly juxtaposes his charming, easygoing persona with the character’s sinister undertones, enhancing the film’s depth. Complementing him, Woody Harrelson’s warm voice gives a poignant layer to the horse Boxer, while Matarazzo injects youthful innocence into Lucky’s character.
World-Building and Animation Excellence
Following successful projects like Venom: Let There Be Carnage and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, Serkis demonstrates his ability to merge live-action techniques with animated storytelling. His decision to ground the animation in realistic filmmaking methods adds authenticity, choosing to frame scenes like a live-action set, offering a fresh perspective.
Furthermore, the team at Cinesite excels in capturing nuanced performances that breathe life into the characters. The animation balances realism with a whimsical, storybook feel, creating a striking visual experience that captivates.
Conclusion: A Distinctive Take on a Classic
Ultimately, Serkis’ Animal Farm may not adhere strictly to Orwellian principles, but it emerges as a unique, engaging animated feature. By blending substantial themes with accessible storytelling, it carves out a niche for itself in the crowded landscape of family-friendly cinema. This edition of Animal Farm proves that even classic critiques can take on new life, inviting a fresh generation to explore the timeless moral conundrums inherent in Orwell’s work.
For more about the significance of adapting literary classics into contemporary formats, check out IGN’s guide on animated adaptations.
