Netflix’s Animated HILDA Traumatizes Children With Witchcraft, Occult Elements
By Movieguide® Contributor
HILDA: THE SERIES is a 2018 Netflix fantasy adventure cartoon. It follows Hilda, a fearless, blue haired 11-year-old who explores the wilderness. After losing her cabin, she and her mother move to the city of Trolberg, a vaguely Scandinavian metropolis. She adjusts to her new life while also meeting with the city’s paranormal monsters. The series is an adaptation of the graphic novels of the same name. HILDA has two seasons, a feature-length movie, and a third season currently in production.
HILDA is a visually impressive production with dire moral ramifications. The cast is likable, the art direction is astounding, and it uses a tapestry of European folklore. However, it heavily relies on objectionable pagan concepts. These include witchcraft, messing with ghosts, and on screen (though bloodless) mutilation. Under its “cozy” artstyle, it sneaks in a few jump scares. Even though HILDA is rated TV-Y7, meaning the show is targeted to youth ages 7 and older, Movieguide® recommends extreme discernment for teenagers and adults. The show is not acceptable for children.
Set during the autumn season, Hilda frequently encounters supernatural creatures. In a usual episode, she stumbles upon a Trolberg creature causing havoc in the city. In the first episode, Hilda bumps into a slumbering Troll / rock monster. Curious, she ties a bell to his nose and sketches his dozing body on her notebook. But when he wakes up, he chases Hilda to her cabin. She panics, but realizes the Troll can’t untie his bell. She strips the bell from his nose, and he walks off. Hilda’s adventures are always presented in a cute and cozy manner.
In terms of positives, the artstyle is gorgeous. The color palette prioritizes the warm hues of blue, red and yellow. The world is made of “simple” line brushes, rounded humans, and naturalistic scenery. The dialogue and writing are well done. Special mention goes to the superb vocal performance. Bella Ramsey, an alumni of GAME OF THRONES, lends her voice to the blue-haired heroine. Ramsey does an excellent job lending a confident yet plucky performance.
In terms of world view, HILDA leans on pagan ideas with a smidge of Christian ideals. The series features witchcraft, necromancy, and spirits roaming a graveyard. In one episode, Hilda botches a “charisma enhance” spell on her cowardly friend David. She performs the ritual, but quickly realizes she’s harvesting his soul. She reverses the spell in time, but loses the patience of her friend.
In several episodes, Hilda and her gang deal with supernatural foes. Hilda fights a squad of pirate ghosts at the sea. She wrestles several spirits at a graveyard. In one story, a rogue female scientist conjures artificial life with the use of forbidden magic. Hilda and her friends defeat the scientist, but fail to reverse the necromancy. In another instance, Hilda learns that her local librarian is part of a secret witch society. Hilda engages with the society and gives her friend Frida a witch mentor.
The series also delves into dark humor and horror. In one episode, David joins a viking cult to overcome his cowardice. He jumps head first into battle and gets his head chopped off (similar to taking a head off a mannequin). David’s reaction is a simple “ow!” Later in the episode, he reattaches his head to his body via magic “glue.” In a few episodes, Hilda gets jumpscared by Trolls, giant krakens, and a bloodthirsty hound.
Does HILDA salvage itself with good Christian values? Barely. For starters, Hilda strives to empathize with humans and non-humans alike. When she starts school, she witnesses school bullies throwing rocks at harmless birds. Hilda rescues an injured bird and learns his backstory as the city’s mascot. Hilda sticks up for her friends and fights to keep the city wildlife safe. She is sometimes impulsive and a little too confident. Hilda practices loyalty, empathy, and bravery in the face of dangerous beings.
In conclusion, HILDA is a technically excellent show with many caveats. It features a cast of empathetic characters. However, it heavily leans on pagan ideas such as necromancy, witchcraft, and ghosts. The show also contains horror elements, which will traumatize younger audiences. The Christian values, while present, are underutilized. Movieguide® recommends extreme discernment for teenagers and adults. The show is not acceptable for children.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
