Cocoon: war seen through the eyes of two girls on an island

Published on June 17, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

GKIDS announces the North American premiere of Cocoon – One Summer of Girlhood, an animated film that tells the story of the friendship between two girls on an island during World War II. The film will arrive in theaters on September 4 in its original Japanese version and dubbed in English, offering an intimate perspective on how global conflicts affect childhood.

two young girls in 1940s summer dresses sitting on a wooden dock over calm ocean water, one holding a small mechanical radio while the other points at a distant military ship on the horizon, soft afternoon sunlight filtering through clouds, a rusted bicycle and fishing net nearby on the shore, old wooden houses visible behind palm trees, gentle waves lapping at dock posts, cinematic animation style, warm nostalgic color palette, subtle film grain, emotional storytelling composition, demonstrating childhood innocence against wartime backdrop, photorealistic painted aesthetic

The art of animating historical memory with technical precision 🎨

The film uses traditional animation with watercolor backgrounds that recreate the island's atmosphere during the 1940s. The direction opts for a slow pace and close-up shots that reflect a child's perspective, avoiding direct war drama. The studio used historical references to design the clothing and architecture of the era, achieving a contrast between natural beauty and the constant threat of war.

When World War II becomes a high school drama 🎬

Two girls on an island, a world war in the background, and zero explosions: it sounds like the plot of an art film your parents will put on at Christmas dinner. The best part is you don't need to know who won the Battle of Midway to understand the drama. Just bring tissues and accept that an animated film about friendship will make you feel more than any History Channel documentary.