Recent trends in the dystopian genre have shifted focus from traditional themes of man-made nuclear holocaust to scenarios driven by man-made climate change. This evolution reflects growing societal concerns about environmental degradation and its potential to disrupt civilization. For instance, Kim Stanley Robinson’s “The Ministry for the Future” envisions a world grappling with catastrophic climate events and the radical measures taken to address them. Similarly, Jeff VanderMeer’s “Southern Reach Trilogy,” starting with “Annihilation,” explores the mysterious and destructive environmental anomaly known as Area X, suggesting the profound and unpredictable impacts of ecological crises. These works, among others, highlight the genre’s pivot towards exploring the dire consequences of human actions on the planet, making climate change a central element in contemporary dystopian narratives. The new animated series, WondLa, is the most recent addition to this growing genre.

WondLa premiered globally on Apple TV+ on June 28, 2024. The series is based on Tony DiTerlizzi’s New York Times bestselling book series “The Search for WondLa” and is produced by Skydance Animation. It features a voice cast including Jeanine Mason as Eva, Teri Hatcher as Muthr, Brad Garrett as Otto, and Gary Anthony Williams as Rovender. The series is part of Apple TV+’s expanding slate of original animated content for kids and families.

WondLa follows the story of Eva, a curious and spirited teenager who has been raised in an advanced underground bunker by her robot caretaker, Muthr. On her 16th birthday, a sudden attack forces Eva to leave her sanctuary and venture onto the Earth’s surface, which she finds drastically transformed and now called Orbona. The surface is populated by strange aliens and covered with otherworldly flora and fauna.

As Eva navigates this unfamiliar terrain, she encounters Otto, a telepathic giant water bear, and Rovender, a grumpy alien with a mysterious past. Together, they embark on a perilous journey to find other humans and discover Eva’s true destiny. Along the way, Eva must rely on her survival skills and the cryptic clues she has, all while evading various dangers and uncovering secrets about her world and herself.

The aesthetic of WondLa stands out from typical post-apocalyptic worlds by embracing a more beautiful and environmentally inspired design. The series employs a warm palette dominated by browns and greens, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere. Shapes within this world are organic, characterized by flowing curves and twists reminiscent of tree roots, rather than harsh, sharp edges. This approach extends to the design of characters, including the robot Muthr, whose form features soft curves and gentle facial features. This emphasis on organic shapes and natural colors not only enhances the visual appeal but also underscores the show’s themes of environmentalism and the interconnection of life.

In WondLa, our suspicions about humanity’s role in the planet’s destruction are ultimately confirmed. It is revealed that humans are responsible for the catastrophic events that led to the downfall of Earth. This revelation adds a poignant layer to the story, emphasizing the consequences of human actions on the environment. In the aftermath of Earth’s destruction, a new life form emerges, recolonizing the devastated planet and giving rise to Orbona. This new world, though alien and transformed, is a testament to nature’s resilience and adaptability. Orbona symbolizes a fresh start, where the remnants of human civilization are overshadowed by a thriving, otherworldly ecosystem that continues to evolve and flourish.

WondLa exemplifies the evolution of dystopian narratives by intertwining human-induced climate change with themes of renewal and resilience. The series not only captivates with its visually stunning and environmentally inspired world but also reinforces the critical message of humanity’s impact on the planet.

WORDS: brice.