A delightful animated film full of heart.
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What is love? Someone like Stitch Head, who’s been ignored since creation, would easily confuse material possessions for love. It’s a sad reality that will tear one apart at the thought of a poor child longing for love, making this film much deeper than a simple children’s cartoon.
Written and directed by Steve Hudson, the animated monster fantasy comedy Stitch Head is based on the 2011 graphic novel of the same name by Guy Bass. It tells the story of gentle scrap monster Stitch Head, the first creation by the mad scientist Professor in Castle Grotteskew. The titular character serves as a guide for his master's subsequent creations but suffers the heartache from feeling undervalued.
Coincidentally, a travelling circus led by Fulbert Freakfinder is in search for their next big, new attraction. Their paths cross and with the promise of fame and adoration, Stitch Head makes the choice to leave the castle and join the circus, despite protestation from his fellow creations, especially his self-proclaimed best friend Creature.
Stitch Head plays the same old hands as most monster films do, where the unconventional and different are treated like freaks. The film uses this as a teachable moment to remind us to be kind and less judgemental when faced with uncertainties because these monsters are but misunderstood creatures. Little do we know humans are as terrifying in their eyes as they are in ours.
The characters aren’t conventionally cute (save for Arabella) but don’t let that deter you from giving this a chance. Stitch Head and his fellow creations are interesting in their own right, resembling the kooky and eccentric styles of the Addams Family. If they can find a place in our hearts, so can these guys!
The power of friendship also plays a big role in turning things around for Stitch Head. If not for Creature’s persistence in getting his best friend back, our poor boy would have been left gaslit by the cunning Freakfinder into thinking being made a spectacle is the kind of love he needs.
For a film about freaks and monsters, Stitch Head is a delightful animation full of purity and heart. It’s the eventual sense of true belonging that will break your heart open, making for a beautiful tale of self-worth, love and friendship worth appreciating.
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