Abominable (2019)
Directed by Jill Culton · 2019 · Chloe Bennet, Albert Tsai, Suzy Eddie Izzard, Tenzing Norgay Trainor, Joseph Izzo
In the 2019 animated adventure Abominable, directed by Jill Culton, a group of misfits—teenager Yi (voiced by Chloe Bennet), her young friend Jin (Albert Tsai), and her mischievous cousin Peng (Tenzing Norgay Trainor)—stumble upon a young Yeti they name Everest. Rather than exploit or fear him, they choose compassion, embarking on a journey to return the magical creature to his home atop Mount Everest. The film blends gentle humor, heartfelt emotion, and sweeping visuals rooted in Chinese landscapes, reflecting its production by DreamWorks Animation in the tradition of family-friendly fantasy adventures like How to Train Your Dragon. The tone is warm and whimsical, with a quiet sense of wonder that avoids heavy conflict or villainy, focusing instead on themes of empathy, connection, and the beauty of the natural world. The animation style is lush and detailed, with vibrant color palettes and fluid motion that enhance the sense of scale and magic. Suzy Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson, Tsai Chin, and James Hong lend voice support, grounding the story with emotional nuance. Abominable is crafted for younger audiences and families seeking an uplifting, visually rich experience free of graphic content, making it ideal for viewers who appreciate thoughtful storytelling over action-driven spectacle.
Why it’s worth watching
Abominable (2019) stands out for its heartfelt, non-violent narrative and stunning animation that honors its cultural setting without stereotyping. Directed by Jill Culton and featuring a strong voice cast including Chloe Bennet and Albert Tsai, the film delivers a quiet but powerful message about kindness toward the unknown. Its blend of adventure, comedy, and fantasy is tailored for family viewing, offering moments of awe and humor without overwhelming younger viewers. With a runtime of just 97 minutes, it’s perfectly paced for attention spans of all ages.
Trivia
- Directed by Jill Culton
- Released in 2019
- Runtime: 97 minutes
- Starring Chloe Bennet, Albert Tsai, Suzy Eddie Izzard, Tenzing Norgay Trainor
- Voiced by Sarah Paulson, Tsai Chin, and James Hong