They simply don’t make movies like Coraline (2009) anymore. Upon its initial release, it was a blockbuster hit and a critical darling, even receiving an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature. Nowadays, it seems like studios are all but petrified at the thought of putting out something that could scare or challenge the kids they market to. A film like this one very much represents a creative courage lost in time. Being a fan of the movie personally, I couldn’t have been more excited as I pulled into the AMC parking lot to see it for its fifteenth anniversary. Does the picture still hold up?
The Setup
The story follows eleven-year-old Coraline Jones (voiced by Dakota Fanning), who moves to a new apartment complex with her parents, Mel (Teri Hatcher) and Charlie (John Hodgman). Immediately, Coraline hates everything about her new life. She’s got weird neighbors like Wybie (Robert Bailey, Jr.), Mr. Bobinsky (Ian McShane), and Ms. Spink (Jennifer Saunders) and Ms. Forcible (Dawn French). No plants are growing, the weather is crummy, and Coraline’s parents don’t have time for her while they compose pieces for a gardening catalog.
Coraline eventually happens upon a mysterious door that leads her to another world. This one seems eerily similar to the real world, but even better. Sure, her other parents (voiced by the same actors as her actual parents) have buttons for eyes. But they’re far more attentive to her needs, they have a lovely garden that forms a portrait of her face. It seems like everything Coraline could’ve wanted. But a catch arrives when she’s asked to sew buttons into her own eye sockets if she wishes to stay in the other world forever.
Why Does This Film Work So Well?
First, the stop-motion animation. Every nook and cranny of the characters and environments is insanely detailed. Moreover, everything serves to accurately emphasize Coraline’s mood and predicament. The dour colors of the real world, contrasted by the bolder colors and imaginative camerawork in the other world, give the movie a striking visual identity. I’ll also admit, not being a fan of 3D, such technology actually worked for me this time, which is more than I can say for the precious few other films I’ve seen in this format.
The animation also informs the well-defined personalities of the characters. Every frown, squint, fret, and look of joy from Coraline makes her feel like a complex kid. You understand her frustration and fear, and even despite her more selfish moments, you sense the good-hearted soul underneath. That specificity also extends to the eccentric Ms. Spink and Ms. Forcible, two ex-burlesque performers that never moved on from the glory days, as well as the oddball and enigmatic circus performer Mr. Bobinsky. Writer/director Henry Selick (Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas) also designs these characters’ homes in a way that perfectly gives you a sense of said characters’ histories.
Why So Creepy?
It’s worth examining just why the movie is so unsettling and scary, particularly for a family film. The animation and storytelling at some points is truly surreal and eerie, to the point where a kid at my showing got so freaked out her family had to leave. But the fear factor works here is because it sharply reinforces Coraline’s lesson about accepting the cards life has dealt her. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and the extremities of this story emphasize that masterfully. Kids deserve to be challenged. It also helps them retain the overall lesson more firmly, and instills valuable ideals that will stick with them years later.
The Voice Acting Is the Cherry on Top of It All
However, characters in an animated movie simply won’t resonate unless the right people provide the voices, and the acting here is phenomenal across the board. Dakota Fanning delivers her best work as Coraline, and believably conveys every step of her journey throughout. Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman do double-duty in flawlessly bringing as much frustration and love to the real Mr. and Mrs. Jones, as they do malicious duplicity to the other parents. The additional cast members- Ian McShane, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, and Robert Bailey, Jr.- also infuse a full range of emotions and dimensions into their characters, transcending already well-written material.
Why Should You Watch It?
I think the real question is, why shouldn’t you watch this masterpiece? It’s scary, it’s moving, it’s funny, it’s aesthetically breathtaking. The acting is sublime, the messaging and themes are quite thought-provoking. If you get a chance to see this on a silver screen, walk, don’t run, to the theater. You will not regret it.
Does content like this matter to you?
Become a Member and support film journalism. Unlock access to all of Film Inquiry`s great articles. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about cinema - get access to our private members Network, give back to independent filmmakers, and more.