

The Great North
Beginning at the industrial revolution of the ‘great north’, Jenn Nkiru draws lines between peoples, cities, countries, buildings, movements, bodies and spaces(s) using a mixture of archive materials and new footage. There is little stillness as we are pushed and pulled through Black histories and communities across the city of Manchester and beyond. Nkiru has termed this filmmaking process “cosmic archeology”, and it is grounded in Afro-surrealism, experimental film and the Black arts movement.
Insights
Plot Summary
The Great North follows the adventure-loving but socially awkward Judy Tobin as she embarks on a new chapter of self-discovery. Encouraged by her eccentric family, she pursues her lifelong dream of becoming a photographer in exotic Alaska. Facing the challenges of a new city and the complexities of adulthood, Judy navigates her relationships and finds her place in the world.
Critical Reception
The Great North has been generally well-received by critics, praised for its unique animation style, quirky humor, and heartfelt character development. Audiences appreciate the show's blend of surreal comedy and genuine emotional moments, often highlighting the strong voice cast and the inventive, if sometimes bizarre, scenarios.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its distinctive visual style and offbeat humor.
- Appreciated for its endearing characters and relatable family dynamics.
- Found to be a refreshing and original entry in the animated comedy genre.
Google audience: Google users have expressed strong approval for The Great North, frequently citing its originality and humor as major draws. Many viewers enjoy the quirky characters and the show's ability to balance comedic elements with touching family moments.
Fun Fact
The show's creator, Loren Bouchard, is also known for co-creating the animated sitcom 'Bob's Burgers', leading to some shared creative sensibilities and a similar target audience.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources