Ernest & Celestine

Deep below snowy, cobblestone streets, and tucked away in networks of winding subterranean tunnels, lives a civilization of hardworking mice terrified of the bears who live above ground. Unlike her fellow mice, Celestine is an artist and a dreamer—and when she nearly ends up as breakfast for a singing bear named Ernest, the two form an unlikely bond. But it isn’t long before their friendship is put to the test by their fearful communities.

Like a gorgeous watercolor painting brought to life, the animated film features a constantly shifting pastel color palette that bursts and drips across the screen, while wonderful storytelling and brilliant comic timing draw up influences as varied as Buster Keaton, Bugs Bunny, and even the outlaw romanticism of Bonnie and Clyde. Bringing it all together is the onscreen chemistry between the two lead characters—a flowing, tender, and playful rapport that will put a smile on your face and make your heart grow.

The all-star English-language voice cast features Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, and Jeffrey Wright. (79 mins., digital video) Available in French with English subtitles or an English dubbed version. Closed captioning available for both versions.

Parents, if you have any questions about Zoom activities and films or their content, please contact Wexner Center Community, Youth, and Family Programs manager Jean Pitman at jpitman@wexarts.org.

See the complete Zoom: Family Film Festival 2020 lineup.

Zoom 2020 / Ernest & Celestine extras!

• Printable coloring page (PDF)
• A custom reading list from the Wex and CML
• Additional resources and family activities (PDF)