The Secret World of Arrietty (2025) Review – A Tiny Adventure with Big Heart
Release Date, Genre & Key Info
Release Date: June 22, 2025 (Studio Ghibli Fest 15th Anniversary)
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Fantasy
Runtime: 1 hr 34 min
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Distributor: Fathom Events / GKIDS
English Dub Cast: Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Will Arnett (US); Tom Holland, Olivia Colman (UK)
Watch the Official Trailer: The Secret World of Arrietty Movie
Overview: The Secret World of Arrietty
The Secret World of Arrietty invites viewers into a hidden realm tucked beneath a quiet countryside home—where the Borrowers, a tiny race of people, live unnoticed by humans. With lush animation and delicate pacing, this 15th anniversary re-release reaffirms Studio Ghibli’s ability to craft meaningful, low-stakes stories with big emotional depth. It’s a coming-of-age tale that celebrates courage, connection, and the wonder of small things.
Plot & Characters
The Clock family—Pod, Homily, and their adventurous 14-year-old daughter Arrietty—live secretly beneath the floorboards of a rural home. They “borrow” household items humans won’t miss to survive. But their world changes when Arrietty is spotted by Shawn (Sho in the original Japanese version), a teenage boy resting at the house before heart surgery.
Despite her parents’ warnings to stay hidden, Arrietty forges a cautious connection with Shawn. Their brief but meaningful friendship threatens the Borrowers’ safety while challenging their beliefs about humans.
Characters are richly drawn—Homily is nervous but nurturing; Pod is stoic and inventive. Shawn is gentle, reflective, and quietly grappling with mortality. Their contrasting worlds collide with both heartwarming and bittersweet results.
Themes & Emotional Journey
At its core, Arrietty is a meditation on impermanence, trust, and the quiet bravery it takes to reach across boundaries. The film handles its themes with subtlety—focusing more on atmosphere and emotional truth than big plot twists.
This isn’t a loud film—it’s a gentle, introspective one. Every moment, from a Borrower scaling a kitchen shelf to a softly spoken conversation in the garden, is laced with emotional texture. Through Arrietty’s eyes, even ordinary objects and moments feel magical.
Art, Animation & Audio
Visually, the film is breathtaking. Ghibli’s attention to detail turns everyday household objects into monumental landscapes. The Borrowers’ home is full of clever adaptations—sewing pins as swords, buttons as plates, a tissue box as storage. Nature scenes are equally vivid, with lush greenery and detailed garden backdrops that feel alive.
Sound design plays with scale brilliantly. A ticking clock or dripping faucet becomes thunderous from a Borrower’s perspective. Cécile Corbel’s enchanting Celtic-inspired score adds an ethereal layer, enhancing both the whimsical and melancholy tones. Her ending theme, “Arrietty’s Song,” lingers long after the credits roll.
Dub Versions & Voice Acting For The Secret World of Arrietty
The US dub, produced by Disney, is solid across the board. Bridgit Mendler brings youthful energy to Arrietty, while Amy Poehler and Will Arnett shine as her parents. Carol Burnett’s over-the-top portrayal of Hara adds humor, though David Henrie’s Shawn occasionally lacks emotional nuance.
The UK dub, voiced by Tom Holland and Olivia Colman, offers an equally strong performance and feels more grounded. Meanwhile, the original Japanese version delivers emotional authenticity, especially through Homily (voiced by Shinobu Otake) and Hara (Kirin Kiki).
What Works – and Minor Quirks
Pros:
- Stunning, immersive animation
- Strong emotional resonance in Arrietty–Shawn bond
- Rich soundscape that brings scale to life
- Thoughtful themes of friendship, risk, and belonging
Cons:
- Pacing is predictable and leisurely
- Some may crave deeper character arcs or more dynamic conflict
Final Verdict
The Secret World of Arrietty remains a standout in Studio Ghibli’s catalogue: visually breathtaking, emotionally grounded, and quietly profound. Though it may not have dramatic twists, its beauty lies in the subtlety of everyday wonders and fragile connections. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Ghibli, this tiny tale makes a big impression.
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5 – A timeless cinematic gem that continues to charm.
