Capturing the innocence and whimsey of the exploration and wonderment that childhood brings is a challenge – especially when making a show intended for more than just child-aged audiences. There has to be a balance of innocent fun with more mature undertones, lessons learned while simultaneously embracing the idea that mistakes can and will be made in the process of growing up. Netflix’s Hilda is one show that brings an utterly unique perspective on the blending of discovery, hardship, and magic with coming of age.
Hilda, which debuted in September 2018 to critical acclaim, is an animated show based on the graphic novel series of the same name penned by Luke Pearson. It follows the titular protagonist, Hilda, as she must navigate her new home of Trolberg when she and her mom are forced to move from their remote home when it is destroyed by a meandering hill giant. Having recently wrapped up its second season and with a feature-length film in production, the show pits Hilda and her new friends against an array of fantastical creatures like trolls, gnomes, witches, and more, through various mysteries and misadventures. At the beginning of the show, Hilda was every bit her age: stubborn, steadfast, adventurous, and averse to change. She had a hard time accepting her new home and school, needing to reconcile her previous free habits with the constraints of city life.
Yet, throughout the ups and downs, she never loses the childlike wonder and joy that makes her so endearing to audiences. The show emphasizes that sometimes the easiest or most obvious solution isn’t always the best, but through mistakes, we can learn how to best move forward and solve problems. Violence is not always the right answer, but sometimes there are situations where talking won’t work, either. That’s where creativity and unashamed optimism save the day – traits inherent to the young and unjaded, willing to try anything and everything without giving up. But what really brings the show together is the dynamic between Hilda and her mother. They have a wonderfully deep and realistic relationship, one not often seen onscreen in a children’s show. They fight, they argue, they laugh, they cry. Hilda isn’t afraid to show its viewers that adults don’t always have the right answer, that parents aren’t the end-all authority, but that even the harshest of criticisms and fears stem from an undying love and desire to see their children safe and happy.
Having netted a number of nominations and awards, including the 2019 Emmys and BAFTA Children’s Awards, Hilda is a delightful surprise to those looking for a lighthearted adventure filled with colorful characters and creatures waiting to be discovered. Both seasons are currently available for streaming on Netflix, with the upcoming film currently in production. For those seeking a splash of urban fantasy along with a coming-of-age story, Hilda is the perfect escape.