The Art of Fear: A Review of Robert Morgan’s ‘Stopmotion’
If you’re seeking a horror experience that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling, “Stopmotion” (2023) is a film you shouldn’t miss. Directed by Robert Morgan, this British psychological horror-thriller masterfully blends live-action with stop-motion animation to create a uniquely unsettling atmosphere.
The narrative centers on Ella Blake, portrayed by Aisling Franciosi, a stop-motion animator grappling with the recent loss of her overbearing mother. As she immerses herself in her latest project, the lines between reality and her creations begin to blur, leading to a haunting descent into madness.
Critics have lauded the film for its innovative approach and disturbing visuals. Rotten Tomatoes describes “Stopmotion” as “a strange, disturbing, exhilaratingly perverse film, which, like stop-motion itself, brings dead objects to life, and vice versa.”
Aisling Franciosi’s performance has been particularly praised, with The Geek Show noting, “Franciosi is also fantastic too… she certainly delivers.”
While some reviews suggest that the film treads familiar ground in the horror genre, its unique blend of live-action and stop-motion animation offers a fresh and immersive experience. If you’re intrigued by films that explore the darker aspects of the human psyche and appreciate meticulous craftsmanship in animation, “Stopmotion” is a must-watch.
