For all adventure lovers out there, Felix and the Hidden Treasure is a not to be missed film. A Canadian production, it is a modern-day Treasure Island (Robert L Stevenson’s famous novel), where we have a young boy, a retired sailor, a parrot, an island, and, of course, a treasure.

Set in the Magdalen Islands, the film begins when 12-year-old Felix gets a chance to go and search for his dad, a fisherman, who has not returned home in two years. Convinced that his father is alive and worried as he has not yet seen Felix’s little sister, he leaves home just when his mother goes out of town.

Felix’s father left in search of an unknown treasure, when the family began encountering money issues. As he had not returned, Felix’s mother decided to sell their home and move someplace cheap. His mum goes out of town leaving the kids in the care of their aunt, whom Felix deceives and leaves.

Along with Tom, a retired sailor and a mentor to his father, Felix’s cat Rover, and Tom’s faithful parrot Squawk, the small team manages to reach Dark Shadow Island (as spooky as its name), the place where Felix’s ‘dad’ was supposed to be last seen.

The one-legged parrot Squawk and Rover, who acts like a dog, provide comic relief with their brief fights, while Tom and Felix make a remarkable discovery on the island.

The bonding between Tom and Felix reminds one of Carl and Ellie from Up (2009); Old Tom takes good care of Felix, just like a grandfather would.

In a scene, Tom recalls how he had lost his friend Madeleine at the island decades ago, moments later she appears in front of them as the tyrannical Morgaa, the big bad villain of the movie.

For kids who grew up hearing mostly fabricated stories about treasures, this animated film has a lot to offer. A ‘secret’ for eternal life, an underground city, as well as age-defying techniques. Tom and Felix manage to find what they came for, but priorities get lost somewhere in between.

The CG animation in the film is fascinating; the sea journey, the sun sets, the unimaginable society and the aging of characters, enhance the story. Released at Montreal International Children’s Film Festival, the film was released worldwide earlier this year. It’s a fine adventure movie for a family and offers lessons for each and every member.

Published in Dawn, Young World, December 4th, 2021