Psychological Horror Meets Stop-Motion Mastery

Read Time:4 Minute, 5 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Stopmotion
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Robert Morgan
Writer(s): Robin King, Robert Morgan
Cast: Aisling Franciosi, Stella Gonet, Tom York, Therica Wilson-Read, Bridgitta Roy, Caoilinn Springall, Alex Freeborn, James Swanton, James Harris, Jaz Hutchins, Joshua J. Parker, Nicola Alexis
Where To Watch: arrives on UK Blu-ray, DVD, and digital July 1, 2024 www.amazon.co.uk or US here www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Robert Morgan’s latest adventure dives headlong into the tumultuous waters of family dynamics and the intense pressures of artistic creation. This gripping narrative centers around the volatile relationship between Suzanne (Stella Gonet,) a master of stop-motion animation, and her daughter, Ella (Aisling Franciosi.) As they collaborate on a particularly ambitious project, the film cleverly uses their creative process as a backdrop to explore deeper themes of control, ambition, and psychological unraveling. If you enjoyed Phil Tippett’s MAD GOD or the film MOON GARDEN, I think there will be something for you to appreciate here!

The heart of the narrative beats with Ella’s transformation from a supportive figure in her mother’s shadow to a principal artist haunted by real and imagined visions. Suzanne’s illness thrusts Ella into the spotlight, where the stakes are as high as the expectations. The story intensifies with the arrival of a peculiar young girl from next door, whose dark tales infuse Ella’s work with a new, unnerving direction. This girl’s influence is a catalyst for what becomes the centerpiece of their project and Ella’s psyche—the creation of Ashman, a figure as nightmarish as it is symbolically potent.

Director Robert Morgan captures the chilling escalation of Ella’s creative process, illustrating how closely genius skirts the edges of madness. The eerie quality of the stop-motion animation mirrors Ella’s increasingly fractured state of mind, creating a visual and emotional crescendo that pulls the audience into its depths. Franciosi’s portrayal of Ella is riveting; she navigates her character’s complex emotional landscape with a raw, compelling, and heart-wrenching intensity.

Gonet's portrayal of Suzanne adds formidable tension to the film. Her commanding presence and exacting standards set a high bar for Ella, making their interactions crackle with energy and as dynamic as they are fraught with conflict. Their shared scenes are a masterclass depicting strained relationships driven by unspoken words and unmet expectations.

One of the film's standout features is its critique of the creative process. Morgan eschews traditional storytelling methods to blend elements of psychological horror with a nuanced examination of the artistic soul. This bold narrative choice challenges the audience’s perceptions and cements the film’s place as a significant piece in contemporary cinema that blurs the line between horror and high art.

The animation's raw, unsettling visuals enhance the story's atmospheric tension and physically manifest Ella’s inner turmoil. These grotesque yet mesmerizing visuals underscore the themes of grief, creativity, and the destructive power of obsession, making the film an unforgettable experience that is as intellectually engaging as it is visually striking.

STOPMOTION is a deep dive into the complexities of artistic creation, exploring the thin line between creativity and chaos. This compelling narrative stands out for its unique storytelling approach and profound insights into the human condition. Franciosi's stellar performance, combined with Morgan's visionary direction and the hauntingly beautiful animation, ensures that the film leaves a lasting impact on its viewers, solidifying its status as a noteworthy exploration of the darker side of human creativity. This comes from someone who traditionally doesn’t love “artsy” films, but there’s something magical here!

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[photo courtesy of ACORN MEDIA INTERNATIONAL]

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