The Boxtrolls

In a small English town nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, a peculiar and whimsical universe exists where humans and creatures live in close proximity, but are often unaware of each other's existence. This is the world of the Boxtrolls, a tribe of mysterious, box-dwelling trolls who live beneath the town's streets in a network of hidden tunnels and caverns. At the heart of this story is Eggs, an orphaned boy who has been raised by the Boxtrolls, a ragtag family of creatures led by a kind-hearted but gruff father figure known only as Chief. Eggs' life is one of simplicity and wonder, spent scavenging for food and exploring the dark, damp world of the sewers. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when he is forced out of his comfort zone by Archibald Snatcher, an evil exterminator who is determined to rid the town of the Boxtrolls. Snatcher is a ruthless and cunning individual who sees the creatures as nothing more than pests to be eradicated. He has a particular disdain for the Boxtrolls, viewing them as nothing more than trash-collecting vermin. Meanwhile, Snatcher's daughter Winnie has grown tired of her father's cruelty and begins to question his motives. She becomes fascinated by the Boxtrolls and is determined to learn more about them. As Snatcher's obsession with destroying the Boxtrolls grows, Winnie finds herself caught in the middle, torn between her loyalty to her father and her sympathy for the creatures he seeks to destroy. As Snatcher's plan unfolds, Eggs and the Boxtrolls are forced to go into hiding. But Eggs, desperate to protect his new family and the town from Snatcher's wrath, decides to take matters into his own hands. With the help of the Boxtrolls, including Lady Portley-Rind, a beautiful and charming troll who becomes Eggs' love interest, the two must navigate the treacherous world above ground and outsmart Snatcher's sinister plans. As the story unfolds, Eggs learns more about his own identity and the world above ground, where humans live in blissful ignorance of the creatures beneath their feet. With the help of the Boxtrolls, Eggs hatches a plan to save the town and his family from Snatcher's clutches. Along the way, he must confront his fears and doubts, and learn the true meaning of bravery and sacrifice. The animation in The Boxtrolls is stunning, with beautifully crafted sets and characters that bring this richly imagined world to life. Director Graham Annable and co-director Anthony Stacchi use a unique combination of stop-motion animation and computer-generated imagery to create a visually stunning movie that is equal parts charming and terrifying. The voice cast is equally impressive, with Ben Schwartz bringing Eggs to life with a delightful mix of humor and vulnerability. The chemistry between Schwartz and Elle Fanning, who voices Winnie, is particularly notable, capturing the complexity and empathy that exists between these two characters. The supporting cast, including Simon Pegg as Snatcher and Nick Frost as Captain Whiskers, is equally talented, bringing a level of depth and humor to their characters that is both surprising and charming. Ultimately, The Boxtrolls is a heartwarming and hilarious adventure that celebrates the power of friendship and acceptance. With its richly imagined world and lovable characters, it's a movie that will delight audiences of all ages. The Boxtrolls is a story of an orphaned boy who finds a new family in a group of misfit creatures, and is determined to protect them from harm - at any cost.