Earwig and the Witch

Orphaned and stubborn, Earwig is sent to live with a selfish witch who insists she will be raised under her care. The house she enters is a maze of quirks, spells, and talking objects, where every corner seems to have its own plan. Earwig refuses to be treated as a burden and uses clever tricks to navigate the witch's strict rules and demands. As she adapts, she discovers a hidden world of charm and danger tucked inside the workshop. The story follows her attempt to carve out a place for herself on her own terms, even as strange magic and shadowy loyalties swirl around the townhouse. Her quick thinking earns allies among the house's peculiar residents.

Directed by Goro Miyazaki, Earwig and the Witch adapts Diana Wynne Jones's novel with Emi Gunji writing the screenplay. Produced by Studio Ghibli, the film arrived for global audiences in 2021 via streaming and select theaters, marking a rare 3D project from the studio.

Critics offered mixed takes on the film. Many noted the unusual use of CGI and a quick, independent tone centered on Earwig. The themes include independence, a chosen family, and how care and control shape a young life. Some reviewers also highlighted the humor in Earwig's resourcefulness.

Studio Ghibli produced the animation with a CGI heavy approach that marks a departure from the studio's traditional style. The project adapts Diana Wynne Jones's Earwig and the Witch, directed by Goro Miyazaki with Emi Gunji writing. Voices include Kokoro Hirasawa as Earwig and Shinobu Terajima as Bella Yaga, with Gaku Hamada and Etsushi Toyokawa in supporting roles.

While not a blockbuster cultural moment, the film sparked discussion about Studio Ghibli's evolving look and approach to storytelling. Some fans welcomed the 3D animation experiment, while others preferred the studio's classic hand drawn aesthetic, highlighting the ongoing debate about artistic direction and shapes how the studio moves forward.