Stitch Head (2025)
There are plenty of animated movies and series based, often somewhat loosely, on the classic horror monsters. The most common is definitely Dracula and other vampires. The next most common is probably Frankenstein, with examples ranging from Igor to the upcoming I Am Frankenelda. Stitch Head is a new animated movie inspired by Mary Shelly's classic tale- albeit with quite the twist.
Stitch Head is written and directed by Steve Hudson, based on the book series written by Guy Bass. Animation production is by Aniventure, Gringo Films and Fabrique d'Images. It features the voices of Asa Butterfield, Joel Fry, Rob Brydon, Tia Bannon, Alison Steadman, Fern Brady and Jamali Maddix.
Set in the presumably European town of Grubber Nubbin, the townspeople live in fear of the nearby castle. Rumour has it that a Mad Professor lives there alongside his creation, a fearsome monster. In actual fact, although the Professor is indeed real, his creations are a friendly, naive bunch of misfits, who are as scared of the people down in the town as the townsfolk are of them. They are looked after by Stitch Head, the professor's very first creation, along with his newest, the imaginatively named Creature, who becomes his first true friend.
Everything changes when a travelling circus comes to town, and the ringmaster is able to lure Stitch Head away to become one of the freaks. Can Creature rescue him before it's too late?
You could be forgiven for going in to Stitch Head without the highest of expectations. It could be mistaken for one of the relatively cheap family animations that occupy the smaller screens of the local multiplex come school holidays. But if you were to dismiss it outright, you'd be missing out on something of a gem.
The animation itself is pretty decent. It's not up to the standards of a major studio, but there's nothing there to offend the eye. The character design is strong- from the peasents of the village to the monsters, all are well developed and rendered. The setting has a suitably gothic air, ranging from Grubber Nubbin to the Castle Grotterskew. The sets are rendered with real skill, with the design of the castle in particular worthy of praise.
The filmmakers have assembled a voice cast made up mainly of British comedy icons. From Rob Brydon (The Trip) to Alison Steadman (Here We Go) they all turned in excellent performances. Asa Butterfield does a solid job as the titular Stitch Head, embuing him with the required humanity. But special mention must be given to Joel Fry's performance as the lovable Creature. Naive, none-too-smart but full of heart, he's a definite highlight.
In fact, its in its characters that Stitch Head really excells. Strong performances and excellent writing means that the professor's creatures are a likable bunch. The characterisation isn't always super deep, but its enough to entertain and make them distinctive.
Crucially, Stitch Head is just a really funny movie. If the jokes had fallen flat, it would be a mush less entertaining film. Luckily, that's not the case. The gags keep flying thick and fast and will entertain adults just as much as younger viewers.
It's not exactly an all time classic but Stitch Head is an unxpected charmer of a film, that's perfect family viewing for Halloween. The fact that this is Hudson's debut animated film makes it all the more impressive. It's slightly spooky, funny, a bit ramshackle and big hearted- just like its title character.
IN A NUTSHELL:
It's No Trick... Stitch Head Is A Halloween Treat.
★★★☆☆
