Streaming exclusively on Shudder and AMC+, Stopmotion premieres Friday, May 31st, offering viewers a chilling exploration of grief, creativity, and the tenuous divide between reality and imagination. Directed by Robert Morgan, this psychological thriller delivers a mesmerizing cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

At its heart, Stopmotion is a character study of Ella Blake, a talented stop-motion animator portrayed with captivating depth by Aisling Franciosi. Following the loss of her controlling mother, Ella grapples with inner demons while immersing herself in the creation of a dark and macabre puppet film. As her grip on reality begins to slip, the lines between her own life and the surreal world of her animation blur, leading to a terrifying battle for sanity.

Performance Brilliance: Aisling Franciosi Dazzles

Franciosi’s performance is nothing short of spellbinding. She effortlessly navigates the complexities of Ella’s character, portraying her vulnerability, anguish, and descent into madness with haunting authenticity. Supported by a talented cast including Tom York and Jaz Hutchins, Franciosi brings Ella’s journey to life in a way that is both mesmerizing and deeply unsettling.

Influences and Vision: Robert Morgan’s Artistic Tapestry

Director Robert Morgan draws inspiration from a diverse array of influences, including Francis Bacon, Edgar Allan Poe, Jan Svankmajer, the Quay Brothers, David Lynch, David Cronenberg, Joel Peter Witkin, and Hans Bellmer. These influences are evident throughout Stopmotion, from its surreal imagery reminiscent of Jan Svankmajer to its nightmarish themes reminiscent of David Lynch and David Cronenberg.

A Mind-Bending Odyssey

Stopmotion unfolds as a haunting exploration of the power of art to both heal and destroy. As Ella’s creations take on a life of their own, the film delves into themes of obsession, identity, and the dangers of unchecked imagination. Director Robert Morgan expertly builds tension throughout, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as Ella’s world spirals further into darkness.

Visually stunning and atmospherically rich, Stopmotion is a testament to Morgan’s directorial prowess. From its meticulously crafted stop-motion sequences to its hauntingly beautiful cinematography, every frame of the film is infused with a sense of unease and foreboding.

The Prognosis:

A Haunting Masterpiece
Stopmotion is a must-watch for fans of psychological horror. With its haunting visuals, mesmerizing performances, and thought-provoking narrative, it stands as a testament to the power of cinema to captivate and disturb in equal measure.

• Saul Muerte

Stopmotion will be streaming on Shudder from 31st May