Review published 27th May 2026
Watch the official trailer.
Two Irish Orphans Embark on a Cross Country Adventure with a Stray Puppy
In 1886, Mary (Alisha Weir) and her brother Tom (Conor MacNeill) are Irish orphans who have just arrived in New York City aboard a large ocean liner. Naturally, they are filled with excitement just by being in the large city as they await their Uncle Niall picking them up. While waiting, Mary discovers a small, adorable puppy who seems lost yet eager to be loved, naming him Sparky. But as the sun begins to fade, and the pair still have not been picked up by their Uncle Niall (Stephen Graham), they decide not to wait any longer, setting out directly for his home address on their letter. However, they soon realise their uncle is in California. With no other choice, the pair, along with their new puppy, decide to travel by train.
A Dangerous Train Journey Sparks an Unforgettable Adventure Across the Wild West
While travelling by train sounds simple enough, the pair quickly encounter one major problem: no money. Tom tries to earn a little by playing his violin for passersby, while Mary offers to carry passengers’ bags for coins, but their efforts fall short. It soon becomes clear that catching a train is out of reach, unless a miracle happens. Luckily, right before the train’s departure, the pair notices a group of schoolchildren boarding with two accompanying adults. Thinking quickly, Tom and Mary manage to sneak aboard with them. Among the children is Nick (Javier Cassi Gimeno), a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, who immediately captures Mary’s attention. However, it is not long before Mary, Tom, and their new friend Nick find themselves in serious trouble. After the kids disembark to observe some nearby buffalo, the train departs without them. Worse still, the train is later hijacked by Outlaw Wilson (Sean Bean) and his gang of robbers, who redirect the passengers to a mining site. Now separated from the others, Mary, Tom, and Nick must set off on their own unexpected adventure. What follows is a journey that will not be easy, but with determination, trust, and their growing bond, the trio may just find a way to save the day.
A Western Inspired Animated Adventure Rooted in Real Life Sibling Bonds
Buffalo Kids is an animated adventure with strong Western influences and a light, feel-good comedic tone throughout. The story of Buffalo Kids is inspired by the real-life bond between two siblings. The film is directed by Juan Jesús García Galocha and Pedro Solís Garcia, both of whom have backgrounds exclusively in animation. Galocha previously directed Mummies (2023), while Garcia is known for his acclaimed animated short films Strings (2013) and The Witch (2011).
A Heartfelt Western Adventure That Exceeds Expectations and Delivers Emotional Impact
Going into Buffalo Kids, based on the marketing, I honestly didn’t have high hopes for the film, but I’m happy to say it completely surprised me and massively exceeded my expectations. Buffalo Kids is a sweet, light-hearted adventure packed with heartfelt messages surrounding themes of acceptance, friendship, and belonging, and it genuinely impacted me on an emotional level at various points throughout the film (okay, I teared up at multiple moments, it got me!). The adventure aspect is terrific, especially for younger audiences. The western setting works wonderfully, and kids are bound to love the exciting journey the key characters embark on. Trains, animals, cowboys, and stunning locations all come together to create an entertaining adventure that works for all ages. When it comes to the voice cast, the performances from the likes of Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, and Alisha Weir are easily the standouts, with Stephen Graham proving once again why he was such a strong choice for the film, delivering some of the best voice work in the entire movie.
A Charming Adventure With Minor Rough Edges That Quickly Fade as the Story Takes Over
As for drawbacks, the animation is admittedly a little rough around the edges at first, which is honestly perfectly fine. After all, let’s face it, this is no match for the likes of Disney or Pixar. However, once the film gets underway, this quickly becomes far less of a concern as the story, background detail, and sound design begin to shine. While the voice work overall is quite solid, a few character performances feel slightly mismatched for their roles, though thankfully never enough to take away from the fun.
A Heartwarming Family Adventure That Surprises and Delivers Genuine Emotional Joy
Overall, Buffalo Kids is a wonderfully fun family film with a fantastic sense of adventure. The story is wholesome, uplifting, and filled with strong messages surrounding acceptance, friendship, and never giving up, no matter the challenge. Based on the marketing, this film was not what I expected, and honestly, the experience turned out to be far greater than anticipated. I genuinely enjoyed myself throughout, and I’ll admit the film even affected me emotionally at certain moments, leaving its audience on a high when the credits roll. When it comes to the voice cast, there are some excellent casting choices, including Sean Bean, Stephen Graham, and Alisha Weir, alongside some terrific sound design work throughout the film. These days, many parents find it difficult to discover animated films that feel both safe and genuinely enjoyable for audiences of all ages, but Buffalo Kids feels like a hidden gem worth seeking out.
Buffalo Kids (2024) will be Available in Australian Cinemas from May 28th, thanks to Rialto Distribution!
About the Reviewer
Peter Walkden
Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.
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