Every now and again a film will come along to surprise critics and audiences alike. Whether expectations were low or just lukewarm, it's always a great feeling when a movie catches its audiences off guard. It seems like this summer’s, and possibly this year’s biggest surprise has come in the nick of time.

Crafted by the immensely underrated animation studio Lakia, known for creative works such as Coraline and ParaNorman, Kubo and the Two Strings is a family film unlike most. In an era where most family films are bright and light, Kubo has a sense of emotional complexion that is rarely seen in mainstream releases, let alone kids films.

Set in ancient Japan, the film follows young Kubo, who spends his days spinning grand tales of great warriors battling monsters with paper origami and a simple guitar. At night, he must hide away at home and take care of his ill mother. One day, his mom’s wicked sisters return for Kubo’s remaining eye, sending him on an epic quest.

Even considering my excitement going in, I was shocked to find that Kubo and the Two Strings is one of the year’s best films. Not only does it satisfy the entertainment one would expect in a summer venture like this, but packs a surprisingly impactful emotional punch.

Like all of Lakia’s animated efforts, Kubo and the Two Strings really is a feast for the eyes. All of Lakia’s films are budgeted cost roughly half of what it takes to make a standard animation flick, which is shocking considering just how better their films look. With their use of stop motion animation, the animation is incredibly detailed and bright, truly bringing the visuals to life on a grand scale.

Rarely do mainstream films set in ancient Asia use the setting to their advantege, but Kubo is rooted in a deep sense of place. All of the lore the film tells feels very authentic, and the sense of community the film establishes early on gives the audiences something to root for when they are at risk.

Kubo and the Two Strings is quite bold in its brutally honest approach to its characters and situations. There are some dark moments in the film that may scare very young kids, along with a few shockingly real moments. The maturity the film has is much appreciated, as here is a family film that does not talk down to its kids.

While there is darkness, the script (written by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler) assures there is hope always around the core. The emotional beats here are incredibly effective because they lack the sense of sentimentality often seen in films these days. Instead, it's done on a small, personal level, which really helps making these moments feel all the more true. Themes about loved ones always being with us through memories and empathy are told well, and truly great ideas to share with kids.

That’s not to say there is not a lot of fun to be had here, because Kubo and the Two Strings packs a lot of entertainment. Its core voice cast (Art Parkinson as Kubo, as well as Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey) have a great rapport on screen together. There is a lot of good laughs to be had here through the characters quick quips. The action setpieces here are stunning, with the animation and creative minds crafting sequences with a lot of excitement and energy. The urgent sense of stakes makes these moments also feel all the more palpable.

Kubo and the Two Strings surprises, engages, and emotionally affects its audiences from its first frame, delivering one of the year’s most memorable film going experiences. Its sure to go down as one of my favorite films of the year, as well as one of my favorite animated films in recent memory.