THE SEA BEAST — NETFLIX ANIMATION RFVIEW

March 27, 2025

“The Sea Beast” is a 2022 animated adventure film directed by Chris Williams, set in a world where sea monsters and monster hunters clash on the high seas.

The film opens with a narration by Maisie Brumble, providing a historical backdrop of the longstanding war between humans and sea beasts. Orphaned by this conflict, Maisie idolizes the hunters, especially the crew of the Inevitable, led by the esteemed Captain Crow and his protégé, Jacob Holland. The hunters are celebrated heroes, funded by the King and Queen of the Crown, who have vested interests in the eradication of sea beasts.

The Inevitable is on a mission to capture the notorious sea beast known as the Red Bluster. During a perilous encounter, the ship is nearly destroyed, but the crew manages to survive. Upon returning to the capital, they learn that the monarchy plans to decommission the hunters in favor of a new naval vessel, the Imperator, led by Admiral Hornagold. Determined to prove their worth, Captain Crow negotiates one final opportunity to capture the Red Bluster.

Unknown to the crew, Maisie has stowed away on the Inevitable, seeking adventure and a chance to honor her parents’ legacy. Her presence is discovered after they set sail, leading to initial resistance from the crew, but Jacob allows her to stay.

The Inevitable engages the Red Bluster in a fierce battle. In the chaos, Maisie and Jacob are thrown overboard and swallowed by the beast. Inside the creature, they discover that the Red Bluster, whom Maisie names “Red,” is not the malevolent monster they were led to believe. This revelation challenges their understanding of the beasts and the narratives they’ve been told.

Red transports Maisie and Jacob to an island inhabited by various sea creatures. Here, they befriend a smaller creature named Blue and further realize that the sea beasts are misunderstood beings. Determined to change the hunters’ perspective, Maisie and Jacob convince Red to take them to Rum Pepper Island, where they hope to find a ship back to the mainland.

Upon reaching Rum Pepper Island, they encounter the Imperator. A confrontation ensues, during which Red is attacked and Maisie is injured. Jacob prevents Red from retaliating further, emphasizing the need for understanding over violence. However, Captain Crow, believing Jacob to be dead, has acquired a poison-tipped harpoon from the merchant Gwen Batterbie, intending to kill Red.

The Inevitable returns to the capital, Three Bridges, with Red in captivity. Maisie uncovers evidence that the monarchy has perpetuated falsehoods about the sea beasts to maintain power and control. During a public execution ceremony for Red, Maisie and Jacob intervene, revealing the truth to the populace. A battle ensues between Jacob and Captain Crow, but ultimately, the crowd recognizes the innocence of the beasts.

With the truth unveiled, the conflict between humans and sea beasts comes to an end. The monarchy’s deception is exposed, leading to a new era of coexistence. Maisie, Jacob, and Blue set sail together, symbolizing hope for a harmonious future between humans and sea creatures.

“The Sea Beast” combines thrilling action sequences with a heartfelt narrative, exploring themes of courage, understanding, and challenging long-held prejudices. The film’s rich animation and compelling storytelling make it a standout addition to Netflix’s animated offerings.