‘Abominable’ Review: “A Unique Take On A Simple Story”

Abominable is a simple film that works due to how beautifully it weaves an underrepresented culture in its story. It follows an escaped Yeti named Everest who stumbles across Yi, a young girl living in Shanghai. When Yi realizes there are scientists after Everest, she takes it upon herself and her two other companions Peng and Jin to bring Everest back home. Along their journey, the trio and Everest create a bond that is so sweet to watch grow and unfold.

One of the things that excited me was how it incorporates traditional Asian music through Yi’s violin. Her violin is a big part of the person she was/is and it is inspiring to see where she goes with it.  I liked seeing a movie that was able to bring Asian culture into it. Culture from places we are not used to seeing is still relevant, so it was cool to see an original animated movie with Asian representation. Even the simplicity of showing Shanghai, Yi’s family home and routine were pretty great to bring into an animated kids movie. It’s the little references to a different culture that makes the viewers/audiences alike, aware of the differences of people around us.

Like most children movies, it starts with a main character who distances herself from her family and loved ones. But once she stumbles across Everest, she finds herself and realizes that she should not shut out loved ones. For me, it never fails to put a smile on my face to see someone like Yi, blossom into a better person after an experience like meeting Everest. Everest and Yi have several of the most heartwarming moments of a children’s movie I have ever seen.

Everest the Yeti himself is so lovable, cuddly and wholesome. There is no way you’d be able to watch this movie without wanting to get cuddles from Everest himself. His interactions with Yi’s younger friend Peng are the silliest and one of my personal favorites of the trio. Everest’s special gift makes moments in this movie shine as bright as he is.

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When it comes to a children’s movie, it’s predictable with certain story elements. Abominable does indeed have this but luckily it isn’t entirely simplistic or predictable. However one of the biggest critiques is the villains that want to take Everest back. I felt that they were underused and underwhelming. It really does not hurt the movie because it still is fun to watch. Still, it is disappointing that the film does not properly execute the antagonist.

Abominable was enjoyable and fun. The movie itself has been done before and seen in the past when it comes to the story elements but there are certain moments in this movie that really make it unique and special. Those are the moments worth seeing and enjoying. It wraps up beautifully and it leaves you with the biggest smile on your face. Everest is the purest little furball around and the trio connected to him can melt your heart watching. It had it’s fun and it brings a lot of promise to the future of animated films because it’s unique in a lot of ways and it definitely brings a lot more ideas to the table. – Jacqueline Lainez

Rating: 7/10

Abominable is in theaters now.

The film stars Chloe Bennet, Albert Tsai, Tenzing Norgay Trainer and Sarah Paulson.