Coraline
Review
Maeve Tannish
Coraline
(2009), a stop-motion animation film directed by Henry Selick, is a
movie that I have watched several times throughout my childhood years and have always
loved. The film is based off of the 2002 novel of the same name written by Neil Gaiman.
This movie is so incredibly unique and interesting. There really aren’t many movies that
can compare to its distinct concept, animation, tone, characters, and horror.
Coraline, voiced by Dakota Fanning, is a young girl who has just moved into a
new home at the Pink Palace Apartments with her constantly-working mother and father,
voiced by Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman. Coraline then befriends a young, awkward,
and nervous boy named Wybie, voiced by Robert Bailey Jr., and a mysterious black cat
(Keith David). With lots of time to herself, Coraline explores her new home, and finds a
small door that leads to her own alternate reality in which everything seems to be perfect-
her parents pay attention to her, her new cat friend can talk, and life is happier.
Throughout the movie, Coraline faces many challenges, ranging from home-life
problems to life-threatening situations, that really change and develop her character.
Coraline
is meant to be a children’s movie, but I think young-adults and adults can still
appreciate it just as much due to the creativity and darkness behind it. Although viewers
may not be able to relate to the fantastical concept of the movie, I’m confident many
people will relate to Coraline’s need to be noticed by people, especially her parents- who
