(courtesy IMP Awards)
SNAPSHOT
Two aquatic misfits embark on an impossible journey to save their home. Living on a rundown shipwreck, Mr. Fish discovers a hyperactive young sea dragon Pip – who had mistaken his home for a junkyard – pilfering his belongings. The heated argument that ensues leaves both their houses in ruin… But there is hope. Embarking on a seemingly impossible quest in search of the mythical “Shimmer” to grant them a wish, there’s only one problem: someone else is on the hunt. The Pout-Pout Fish is directed by Australian filmmaker Ricard Cussó, director of the animated movies The Wishmas Tree, Combat Wombat 1 & 2, Daisy Quokka, Scary Girl, and A Sloth Story previously. Co-directed by Rio Harrington. The screenplay is written by Elise Allen, Elie Choufany, and Dominic Morris. Based on the book series of the same name written by Deborah Diesen. Produced by Nadine Bates, Madeira Ginley, Kristen Souvlis, Cyma Zarghami. Made by MIMO Studios, Like a Photon Creative, Cosmic Dino Studios, Alceon, & Eclectik Vision. (courtesy First Showing)
Full disclosure – I haven’t the book to any of my nieces and nephews but good lord I am definitely taking them to watch this delightfully goofy delight.
The story looks likes it’s just the right amount of heartfelt, the characters look sweet but zany and the dialogue is punchy and fun with some fabulously comedic visuals to match.
There’s a very good chance that Uncle could love it just as much as the kids and who doesn’t benefit from some childlike escape from time to time?
The Pout-Pout Fish opens in Australia on 1 January 2026 and U.S. cinemas on 20 March 2026.