Bayou Film | Favorite Film In Review: Coraline at 15

review by Tabitha McBride

“But how can you walk away from something and still come back to it?” – Coraline Jones

Though the temperature still hovers around ninety degrees in Louisiana, autumn’s refreshing breeze waits just right around the corner. Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, we get into the fall spirit by baking some cozy treats and watching a spooky movie. 

Released in 2009, this instant classic based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman captivated audiences young and old with its eerie charm, stunning stop-motion production, and timeless storytelling. The film introduces a spunky young, blue-haired girl named Coraline Jones who just moved to The Pink Palace with her writer parents. As she curiously explores the nooks and crannies of her new home, Coraline discovers a doorway to another world, the home of her “Other Mother”. Here Coralline finds herself at the center, something she craves from her parents in the real world. The deceptively sweet doppelganger to Coraline’s real mother offers her the chance to remain in the whimsical “Other” world on one condition: she must replace her own eyes with buttons to match her “Other”, seemingly better, family. With the help of a charming black cat without a name, Coraline learns patience and the importance of embracing the imperfections of family and friendship.

It’s understandable to confuse Coraline as a Tim Burton-created film with its striking similarities to The Nightmare Before Christmas and The Corpse Bride. The familiarity comes from the director, Henry Sellick, who directed The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach. For Coraline, Sellick teamed-up with LAIKA, a then-up-and-coming stop-motion production company. Even after 15 years, the beautifully unique visuals captivate audiences across generations. A remastered 3D version of Coraline released to theaters in August of this year.

Even after all this time, Coraline remains a stunning example of what can happen when storytelling and artistry collide in just the right way. The film’s visuals are a delectable treat for the eyes, filled with intricate details that make each frame feel like a piece of art. In one scene, the pink blossoms on the trees are hand-painted pieces of popcorn! From the vibrant colors of the “Other” world to the muted tones of Coraline’s reality, every element is designed to draw you deeper into the story and later crave to return.

But Coraline is more than just a visual treat. The story’s heart keeps it relevant. At its core, Coraline is about the dangers of wish fulfillment and the importance of appreciating what you have, a message that resonates as strongly now as it did in 2009. Who hasn’t wished for something better at some point, only to realize that reality, with all its imperfections, is where we truly belong? After all, one can find magic in the most ordinary places.

There’s something undeniably comforting about revisiting Coraline as the nights grow longer. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the fiftieth, the film has a way of wrapping you up in its spooky, yet oddly warm embrace. It’s a reminder that bravery isn’t about being fearless—it’s about facing your fears head-on, even if that means going toe-to-toe with a sinister version of your own mother.