Created in 2009 by Laika Studios, Coraline follows a young girl who seeks an escape from her boring life and discovers a mysterious “other world” that seems more exciting unaware of the danger that follows. Some might not know that Coraline is actually an adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel released seven years earlier in 2002.
The movie does a great job balancing Gaiman’s darker tone while making it more suitable for younger audiences without losing the core of the story.The film opens with Coraline Jones moving into the Pink Palace with her mom and dad. It’s clear right away that Coraline wants her parents’ attention but doesn’t get much of it. While exploring the house, she finds a small door that’s sealed with bricks.
That’s not the only strange thing when she first arrives, she also finds a doll that looks exactly like her, with buttons for eyes, which is major foreshadowing. As she continues her adventure, she meets a boy named Wybie, whose grandmother owns the Pink Palace, and the two form a sort of friendship.
When Coraline finally enters the other world, it seems to be the complete opposite of her dull real life. It’s a complete replica of her home even her neighbors Mr Bobinski, Ms Spink, and Ms Forcible have other world counterparts. Everything is brighter, the food tastes better, and her “other” parents give her all the attention she’s been missing.However, she soon realizes that the other world and especially her Other Mother has darker plans in store for her.
Something I’ve always loved about this film is its animation. Laika Studios’ claymation is absolutely stunning and really gives the movie its unique charm. Every detail is executed beautifully, from the texture of Coraline’s hair to the multitude of facial expressions each character makes within the film.
Unlike computer animation, which mainly dominates the film field, the claymation feels more personal as viewers can tell everything is made with intention and really makes the audience appreciate the film more.
