[Review] Missing Link

Following the excellent Kubo and the Two Strings, the stop-motion animation sensation Laika returns with another low-key gem called Missing Link. It deserves to be searched for. 

The journey begins as Sir Lionel Frost (voiced by Hugh Jackman), an investigator of mythical beasts, happens upon an elusive Bigfoot creature (Zach Galifianakis) that would make him famous. But there’s one catch — the gentle giant asks Frost to help him track down his Yeti relatives who dwell across the world, deep in the Himalayas. The furry guy isn’t mean or anti-social — he’s just lonely.

Just like Laika films of the past, the animation here is beyond impressive. Every scene is so wonderfully detailed and exquisitely rendered, from the crafty textures of fur and flannel to the ethereal backdrops of mountains and skies. There’s just something about stop-motion animation that is so charming to look at. The script charms as well with its delightfully deadpan humor and genuinely heartwarming story. 

Missing Link is a refreshingly straightforward but very meaningful adventure. A short but sweet expedition. The film’s messages are agreeable and important. Sometimes you find friendship and family in the most unexpected places, and sometimes the biggest discovery is that the things you initially thought you were missing aren’t what you were really missing. Does that make sense? Good. 

( 8/10 )