Song of the Sea

Song of the Sea (2014) is an Irish animated fantasy film directed by Tomm Moore and produced by Cartoon Saloon, the acclaimed studio behind The Secret of Kells and Wolfwalkers. Deeply rooted in Celtic mythology, the story follows Ben, a young boy, and his mute younger sister Saoirse, who turns out to be a selkie—a mythical creature that can transform between seal and human. After their mother disappears and their family is torn apart, Ben and Saoirse embark on a magical journey across the Irish landscape to help mythical beings and rediscover their family's lost connection. The film is a visual and emotional masterpiece. Its animation style draws heavily from traditional Irish art and watercolor paintings, delivering intricate patterns, organic shapes, and stylized landscapes. Every frame feels like a storybook illustration brought to life. The score, composed by Bruno Coulais and the Irish folk group Kíla, adds a haunting and ethereal atmosphere, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of grief, memory, and healing. At the box office, Song of the Sea had a modest commercial performance, earning around $4.7 million worldwide. Though not a mainstream hit, it gained a passionate following through word-of-mouth, home release, and streaming. Its limited theatrical run was mostly confined to art house cinemas and international festivals, but its influence grew significantly over time, especially among animation aficionados. Critically, the film received widespread acclaim. It holds a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 85, with critics praising its emotional depth, storytelling, and breathtaking animation. Many reviewers compared it favorably to the best of Studio Ghibli, noting its respect for children’s intelligence and its refusal to water down complex emotions like loss and longing. Song of the Sea was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Academy Awards (2015), competing against major studio giants. Though it ultimately lost to Big Hero 6, the nomination cemented Cartoon Saloon’s reputation as a world-class studio. The film also won Best Animated Feature at the European Film Awards, Annie Awards, and the Irish Film & Television Awards, among others. Its legacy continues to grow. The film is considered one of the greatest modern hand-drawn animated films and a defining work in the emerging Irish animation renaissance. Song of the Sea stands out not just for its beauty, but for its ability to tell a deeply moving story that honors cultural mythology while touching universal themes of family, grief, and emotional resilience.