Coraline Review: A Delightfully Creepy Coming-of-Age Fantasy Beyond Scares

Henry Selick’s 2009 animated supernatural fantasy “Coraline” is back in cinemas for its 15th anniversary. Based on a novella by Neil Gaiman, the film remains as charmingly eerie as it was upon its original release. This stop-motion masterpiece offers a unique blend of adventure, exotic strangeness, and comedy, which has continued to captivate audiences. One might wonder if its fright factor would’ve been elevated had it been shot in live-action with human actors sporting those unsettling button eyes. However, this might miss the point of Selick’s creative vision.

The protagonist, Coraline (voiced by Dakota Fanning), moves with her hardworking parents to an old, mysterious house in remote Oregon. Her parents are preoccupied with writing a gardening catalog, leaving Coraline to her own devices. She soon encounters Wyborn (voiced by Robert Bailey Jr.), an odd kid around the property. She also meets some eccentric neighbors: two retired circus performers (voiced by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders) and Mr. Bobinsky (voiced by Ian McShane), a mouse trainer whose quirky accent seems a precursor to Steve Carell’s Gru in “Despicable Me.”

More importantly, Coraline discovers a secret portal in the house that leads to a parallel world. In this alternate reality, her parents are attentive and shower her with the affection she lacks in her actual life. The house itself is more attractive and lavishly furnished. Initially thrilled with this newfound love, Coraline contemplates staying. However, there’s a catch: her “other” parents have buttons for eyes, and soon, Coraline realizes the horrifying sacrifice they demand of her – to sew buttons onto her own eyes to remain in their world. It’s a compelling narrative about the dangers and allure of breaking away from one’s parents – both terrifying and liberating.

• “Coraline” is currently showing in cinemas across the US, UK, and Australia from 15 August.

Source: The Guardian