Stopmotion (2023)

Rating: 4/5

Plot Summary

Directed by Robert Morgan and starring the ever-talented Aisling Franciosi as Ella, this movie takes us on a trip through the twisted mind of an artist. If "Coraline" and "Black Swan" had a slightly dysfunctional love child, "Stopmotion" would be it. Meet Ella, an artist whose life is spiraling faster than a spider down a drain. She dives into stop-motion animation to cope, but surprise—her creepy creations start coming to life. As reality blurs, we’re treated to a visual spectacle, even if the story stumbles along the way. I went in with low expectations (I saw the trailer and thought this movie would be super cheesy), but was pleasantly surprised. Sure, this movie isn't everyone’s cup of tea, and it may be a bit slow to get rolling, but if you ever thought stop-motion animation was sort of creepy, then this is a flick for you!

Chopping Block - Hits & Misses

Hits

• The stop-motion animation is visually stunning and delightfully creepy.

• Aisling Franciosi's performance is top notch. She really nails the tormented artist vibe.

• The grotesque imagery and overall creepy vibe is bold and unforgettable.

Misses

• Somewhat weak storyline that often times felt predictable and not fully developed.

• A slow start that only picks up towards the end, making for a bit of an unbalanced experience.

• Deep themes are attempted but not cohesively tied together.

Full Review

• Scare Factor — Points: .5 While "Stopmotion" has its disturbing moments, it’s more unsettling than truly scary. The gory and grotesque imagery might get under your skin, but don’t expect consistent spine-chilling scares.

• Storyline and Plot — Points: .5 The concept and overall storyline was unique and creative. The attempt to explore deep themes is commendable, but the execution felt fragmented and incomplete, making it hard to stay fully engaged.

• Atmosphere and Setting — Points: 1 This is where "Stopmotion" shines. The eerie, unsettling atmosphere created by the practical effects and stop-motion animation is top-notch. The film succeeds in making you feel uneasy throughout.

• Special Effects and Makeup — Points: 1 Hats off to the stop-motion team! The effects are top-notch, even if the storytelling stumbles over its own feet sometimes. The use of real meat in the stop-motion scenes is both innovative and grotesque. It’s a nod to Jan Švankmajer and adds a layer of authenticity and creepiness that horror fans will appreciate.

• Acting and Performances — Points: 1 Aisling Franciosi shines as Ella, delivering a nuanced and gripping performance. Her portrayal of a tormented artist is both believable and haunting, making her the standout in an otherwise uneven film.

Final Verdict

"Stopmotion" is a mixed bag. It offers a unique visual style and a genuinely creepy atmosphere but falters with its disjointed storyline and underdeveloped characters. If you’re in the mood for something visually unique and can overlook a convoluted plot, then this is certainly worth the watch.

Rating: 4/5

What did you think of "Stopmotion"?

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