Pixar’s Hoppers is a gorgeous, heartfelt, and surprisingly edgy sci-fi masterpiece that will make you fall in love with nature again.
While the marketing might make Hoppers look like a standard talking animal flick, the reality is far more ambitious. It’s a brilliant blend of high-concept sci-fi, slapstick comedy, and the kind of soul-searching emotional depth that Pixar is famous for.
The premise is wild (pun intended): scientists have developed technology to “hop” a human consciousness into a lifelike robotic animal. We follow Mabel, a 19-year-old animal lover with a rebellious streak and a heart of gold, as she takes the plunge. Despite multiple warnings, she goes too far and ends up messing around where she shouldn’t, disrupting the animal kingdom.
Visually, the film is stunning, but there’s one specific detail that absolutely blew me away. I truly love how the animation style of the animals changes once Mabel is one of them. When she’s human, they look like animals. But once she’s inside the robotic beaver, she – and the audience – start to see their distinct features, expressions, and personalities much more clearly. It’s a subtle, brilliant touch that makes the world feel lived-in and deeply personal. It’s that signature Pixar attention to detail that elevates the storytelling.
A lot of Pixar movies are funny, but I was surprised to find myself laughing out loud as much as I did. Pixar has always been the gold standard for weaving heart and humor together, and Hoppers is no exception. It’s a true family film in the sense that there are layers of comedy for everyone – the kids will love the physical gags, the teens will vibe with Mabel’s attitude, and the adults will catch the sharper, more satirical wit.
What I didn’t expect was how dark and creepy it gets at times. When you stop to think about the sci-fi horror of putting a human brain into a machine, it’s a heavy concept. Some genuinely tense, almost scary moments lean into that uncanny valley of the robotic bodies. It adds weight to the stakes that keeps the movie from feeling too light and establishes genuinely high stakes.
This tension feeds perfectly into the environmental themes. The film tackles the destruction of habitats and our relationship with nature, but it doesn’t feel like a lecture. Pixar excels at making these heavy themes feel like a natural part of the character’s journey rather than something shoved down your throat.
A lot of people are going to resonate with the messages about nature that Hoppers delivers. And if you don’t – do you even have a heart? Just kidding. Maybe.
As always, Pixar also excels at the casting choices. Piper Curda is fantastic as Mabel. From the very first scene, you’re on her side; she brings a scrappy energy and a palpable love for nature that makes her one of Pixar’s most relatable protagonists.
Bobby Moynihan is, predictably, hilarious as King George, the beaver monarch. But he also brings an unexpected warmth and heart to the role that really helps Mabel, and the audience, learn what is most important in this world.
Then there’s Dave Franco as Titus. He doesn’t show up until about halfway through, but man, does he steal the show. He is funny, unsettling, and wildly entertaining – he’s easily one of the most memorable villains (if you can call him that) in recent memory. And Jon Hamm as Mayor Jerry is the perfect foil to Mabel; their rivalry is a highlight of the film.
If I am being honest, Hoppers gave me a much-needed wake-up call. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t taken the time to just sit and enjoy my surroundings. This movie is so calming and peaceful in its depiction of the natural world that it made me want to stop and soak it all in.
It goes without saying, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Easter eggs. There are some great nods to Up and WALL-E ready to be pointed out. All of that to say, in true Pixar fashion, the biggest takeaway isn’t the references – it’s the emotion.
Be sure to have your tissues ready because Hoppers is something truly special: a beautiful reminder of our connection to the world around us. It is sweet, charming, eye-opening, and begs to be seen on the big screen.
About Hoppers
What if you could talk to animals and understand what they’re saying? In Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film Hoppers, scientists have discovered how to “hop” human consciousness into lifelike robotic animals, allowing people to communicate with animals as animals! The adventure introduces Mabel, an animal lover who seizes an opportunity to use the technology, uncovering mysteries within the animal world that are beyond anything she could have imagined.
Hoppers comes to theaters March 6th.
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Pixar’s Hoppers is a gorgeous, heartfelt, and surprisingly edgy sci-fi masterpiece that will make you fall in love with nature again.
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.