Flushed Away (2006): Aardman and DreamWorks' CGI adventure

Production and creative team

The film was produced in partnership between London-based Aardman Animations and DreamWorks Animation. It was produced by Cecil Kramer, David Sproxton and Peter Lord, and scripted by Dick Clement, Ian La Frenais, Chris Lloyd, Joe Keenan and Will Davies. The voice cast includes Hugh Jackman, Kate Winslet, Shane Richie, Bill Nighy, Andy Serkis, Ian McKellen and Jean Reno, who lend distinct personalities to the lead and supporting characters.

Animation style and technical choices

Flushed Away represents a stylistic departure for Aardman: it is the studio's first feature made entirely in computer animation rather than its traditional stop-motion. That shift was driven in part by practical challenges—depicting dynamic water sequences, complex chase scenes and intricate sewer sets at scale is more straightforward in CGI than in physical puppetry. The film retains Aardman's penchant for expressive character design and visual gags while using digital tools for fur, lighting and fluid effects, producing a look that blends hand-crafted charm with modern rendering techniques.

Plot, themes and characters

At its core the film is a fish-out-of-water tale: Roddy's sheltered, upper-class existence is contrasted with the rough-and-ready community he meets underground. Themes include friendship, resourcefulness and identity, wrapped in brisk comedic set pieces and slapstick. Memorable figures include Rita, the streetwise heroine; the theatrical and tyrannical Toad; and a trio of bumbling rat henchmen. The script balances family-friendly humor with touches of satire aimed at adult viewers.

Release, reception and recognition

Released in late 2006 (United States: 3 November; United Kingdom: 1 December), the picture was praised for its visual inventiveness, voice performances and witty screenplay. Despite generally positive reviews from critics, the film did not meet commercial expectations at the box office, a result that contributed to the end of the DreamWorks–Aardman co-production partnership. Critically, it earned nominations including BAFTA and Critics' Choice nods for Best Animated Feature and was prominent at the Annie Awards, where it won several honors including recognition for writing and voice acting.

Legacy and distinctions

Flushed Away occupies a distinctive place in both studios' histories. It demonstrated that Aardman's storytelling and humor could translate to CGI while highlighting the practical and financial trade-offs of moving away from stop-motion. The film is often recalled for its inventive production design, fast-paced narrative and the way it brought British sensibilities to an international animated release.

Further reading and sources

• Official production notes
• Director interviews and commentary
• DreamWorks–Aardman collaboration overview
• Aardman Animations studio profile
• Related Aardman films and history
• Hugh Jackman: voice performance notes
• Kate Winslet: role background
• Bill Nighy and supporting cast
• Andy Serkis: voice and motion work
• Ian McKellen: character contributions
• Jean Reno and international casting
• Box office and commercial reception
• Awards and nominations (BAFTA)
• Annie Awards details and wins