In a world of cinema replete with remakes, re-imaginings and sequels/prequels it can feel like there is a lot of fatigue and lack of ideas in Hollywood, and the film industry as a whole. While this is a film based, loosely, on a pre-existing IP, this did something that a lot of the cash-grab tie-ins simply don’t do. It had heart. 

The original story of Heidi has been adapted for film and television, in one form or another, around 25 times over the years. Each adaptation has been appreciated for the differences it brings, and each has been looked at as having its own unique charms; however, it has been adapted. 

Rise of the lynx continues this trend. It is a delightful adaptation of the story of the goat-herding little girl who lives with her grandfather. In this adaptation, she finds a baby lynx in a trap and sets it free, breaking the trap. She decides to look after it until it gets better, knowing her grandfather would tell her no. Breaking the trap leads to other issues for the local town and her grandfather, as it was set by a man who wants to set up a lumber mill that would decimate the local forests. 

The animation in this film is really rather good, even if it is very simple compared to a lot of other films. Sometimes being overly animated and over-produced can impact the quality of a film and outshine the story. With the animation being what it is for this, it allows the heart of the story to be fully explored. This is well-made with elements of style similar to some Japanese animations, which is never a bad thing. The animals are cute as heck, and there is one baby goat that keeps headbutting things, and I loved it. 

Overall, this is a legitimately sweet, well-made film that won’t tickle everyone’s fancy. It feels like it is very much for a younger audience, but can still be enjoyed by the adults who will be there. The voice cast does an admirable job, and the story has enough in it to never stray into being dull.

It’s getting a 3.5/5 for me, and a recommendation to check it out with your little ones if you get the chance. 

Heidi – Rescue of the Lynx will be in UK Cinemas from 1st August, courtesy of Kaleidoscope.

A Legitimately Sweet Movie

Movie title: Heidi: Rescue of the Lynx (2025)

Movie description: Free spirited Heidi faces forces beyond her years to protect her Grandfather and the alpine wilderness she loves from a ruthless businessman and the hungry jaws of his new saw mill.

Date published: July 31, 2025

Country: UK

Duration: 1h 19m

Director(s): Toby Schwarz, Aizea Roca Berridi

Actor(s): Max Giermann, Toby Schwarz, Michael McCown

Genre: Animation, Family

3.5

Summary

This is a genuinely sweet, well-crafted film that may not appeal to everyone. It seems to target a younger audience, but can still be enjoyed by the adults who attend.

• Amazon

Simon Henderson

Simon Henderson began his journey with his podcast, Inspire Indie Radio, set up to promote independent, and unsigned, artists and help get their music out to other audiences. This is a big passion of his and something he is very proud to do.

One of his other big passions is movies and he followed up the podcast with movie reviews “from the mind of an average guy” on Tumblr. After a while he wanted to bring everything together under one name and so he chose Average Guy Entertainments because, as he is oft quoted as saying, “I’m just an Average Guy.”