“Coraline” is a well-known and generally beloved film with clear ties to the Halloween season; but for whatever reason, many don’t consider it a Halloween movie. People often opt for scarier movies when deciding what to watch on Halloween instead of going out and enjoying being young. However, as an avid scary movie hater, I have brought it upon myself to decide “Coraline” is the best Halloween movie.
Not only does this film feature the coolest animation style of stop-motion movements, but it also utilizes creative and interesting character and set design. It’s super creepy but also oddly comforting, which is perfect for Halloween. Think about it: how often during Halloween are you chased by a guy in a mask with a knife, or nearly eaten by an anthropomorphic house? In general, the answer is never! (Hopefully). Meanwhile, we’ve all been tricked by an unknown being into believing we can trade our eyes and souls for a better life in a perfect world that exists just within our reach.
Well, my point stands that the story of “Coraline,” though not relatable to all, does induce the emotions and nostalgia tied to Halloween. The fun and excitement of trick-or-treating with the backdrop of gorgeous New England autumns mixes with the creepy, eeriness of Halloween itself.
Along with that, most Halloween movies don’t have an important message about life woven through the story, other than “don’t follow that strange noise,” which is just generally good advice. “Coraline” stands out in this way. Not only does the viewer learn that they shouldn’t carry around a creepy doll because it’s probably spying on you, but they also learn that you shouldn’t take the things you have for granted (or something to that effect).
Like many Halloween movies, the creepiness in “Coraline” comes from an unsettling psychological focus. In “Coraline” this is the frightening idea of being trapped in a world without your family and then returning home to your parents being unable to escape too. Other concepts such as desire, isolation, appreciating what you have and dynamics with family and friends are explored throughout the movie as well, which gives the film meaning beyond just Halloween.
In addition to psychological themes, the imagery used throughout the movie is all very creepy, with “the other mother” transforming into a spider-like monster that screeches and runs at Coraline. We also see some creepy rats, bats and ghosts; all creatures characteristic of the Halloween season.
It’s the perfect movie to sit down and watch, whether in costume or in PJs, whether with friends or not, whether drinking hot cider or tea. You could even eat candy or something pumpkin-flavored. Plus, once you finish the movie, you can discuss at length various theories about Coraline’s real parents, the cat, if Coraline really escaped and so on, which is fun to do with any good movie, but even more so with one that fits the seasonal environment.
Given the mood of the movie, we’re able to see that “Coraline” is creepy, but not necessarily scary. It conjures interesting concepts that are fun to think about and discuss, and it invokes all of the necessary Halloween imagery like dead trees, autumn leaves, pumpkins, fog and characters with distinct outfits perfect for Halloween costumes. So, if you’re someone who loves Halloween but thinks you hate Halloween movies just because you aren’t a fan of horror, gore, or scary movies, give “Coraline” a try. It’s got everything to love from Halloween movies, and none of the gross stuff.