REVIEW | Missing Link (2019)
You’ll learn to love anything that’s LAIKA-ble.
Criminally, creatively, and cinematically underrated.
As an eccentric and aspiring explorer, Sir Lionel Frost is in search of the missing evolutionary link and man’s possible relative — Bigfoot. But after discovering that it really exists, and it’s the last of its kind, Sir Lionel agrees to help ‘Mr. Link’ reach his distant arctic cousins in Shangri-La. Embarking on an unlikely journey between man and myth that’s filled with twists, turns, and total ridiculousness.
*Minor spoilers for Missing Link ahead*
Ahh, stop-motion — a glorious craft of cinema that has accomplished more than it is known for, both behind and beyond the screen. From the earliest movie-monster icons in Jason and the Argonauts (1963) to the infancy of special effects in A New Hope (1977), stop-motion has made giant waves across film genres and generations using one frame at a time.
And it’s no less phenomenal today than it was when it started.
The only difference with Missing Link is that LAIKA studios have elevated claymation films for the era with modern methods, cutting-edge technology, and finding fun in the littlest things. Equipped with the quirks and qualities of a cartoon that’s not drawn, the rich and dynamic aspects of real-life, and an Academy Award-winning team of passionate storytellers.
All to present a living, breathing, and exciting world that’s complemented with an equally energised adventure. And to think most of that stuff here is made by hand!
Right off the top, the first thing that comes to mind about this movie is its jaw-dropping visuals. Whether it’s the glorious outdoors or the meticulous indoors — Missing Link is saturated with dazzling detail, picturesque frames, and sequences that flow as charmingly as the subjects do.
Filled with places that could only exist in your imagination, and realised on-screen in the most postcard-worthy settings and cinematography to behold.
Seriously, there’s almost no denying that every scene — or rather, every inch — on display was tirelessly composed to extract your undivided interest, and thoroughly mesmerises you with its gorgeous and magnifying shots.
Cause it’s one thing to come up with exciting new worlds while unearthing them with an immersive story. But for a movie that’s committed to filmmaking frame-by-frame to do the same without compromising the art-form, brings a whole new meaning to ‘worldbuilding’ in films far and wide.
From the legends surrounding Bigfoot to slapstick cartoons, you can already expect Missing Link to be set for a journey that juggles wondrous, and outrageous between its simple, yet substantial story. I mean, full marks for a wholesome and heartfelt plot — but it’s ironically the backdrop of the entire movie that takes centre stage when it comes to bringing out the best this world has to offer.
All of which is well-paired with cleverly caricatured characters that are infinitely more endearing, thanks to their uncanny life-like movements. So much so, that it could have you obsessing over the laws of claymation physics — if there were a [human-sized] textbook on it.
And while we’re on the subject size, make no mistake that this film absolutely does not trade superb sets for scale. In short — let’s just say that you don’t need a magnifying glass to see that any hill and canyon in the movie receives the same calculated care as the hair on its characters.
Which is honestly more than enough reason to catch it on the big screen.
Despite its production pedigree, it’s also worth noting that Missing Link commits a bulk of its brilliance towards accommodating its audiences. Like the impressive delivery of clean, childish comedy that’s both genuinely funny, and really refreshing.
There’s simply no way you won’t be smiling during the course of this movie. You’ve got silly sequences, stunning set-pieces, and some of the most spectacular storyboarding around — which isn’t surprising since most stop-motion animators religiously consider every frame on-screen as their last.
(or that director Chris Butler doubles as a talented storyboard artist in the biz — nobody loses from this combo, basically).
And with all the acclaim and accolades surrounding Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs (2018)(as well as my eternal regard for his 2009 effort — Fantastic Mr. Fox), this film is somehow more vivid with its visuals, vigour, and enviable creativity. Like a pure translation of artists who live simply to carry a story well beyond its script, with the power of professional puppeteering.
It doesn’t try to outsmart anyone with compelling life-lessons or provocative proverbs. Instead, it’s among the rarest forms of expression in cinema that delivers a vibrant vision, some looney laughs, and an awesome adventure that’s more than the sum of its plot — with superhuman craftsmanship.
So if you’re looking for some tangible, tactile, and textured creativity that’s pouring out from the screen through its colours, characters, and landscapes. I’d say there’s no better place to start and stare on, than the majestic sets of Missing Link.
Since it’s nothing short of a miniature marvel with delightful moments that amuse, allure, and astound audiences of all ages.
Although it may not have break-neck visual effects, meme-worthy moments, or a warrant for sequels and trilogies. It’s definitely an epic in its own right — with a whole lotta heart, incomparable novelty, and immeasurable soul where it counts.
