I did *not* appreciate Coraline enough as a kid
I’ve been seeing Coraline pop up everywhere for its anniversary, and oh my goodness I didn’t realise that it’s already been 15 years??? I remember sitting at home watching this creepy film as a kid, turning away from any scene that had buttons or sewing needles in it (and trust me, it’s taken a while for me to love black buttons again).
But, I was not giving it the credit it deserved. In fact, I think I was doing it a huge disservice.
For my horror girlies, BookTok crew, or just anyone who loves a good spook, Coraline knows just how to get your skin crawling. And apparently, the book is even creepier.
So, in the spirit of spooky season — which is so soon btw?? — I think it’s time I start rewatching, stocking up on all sorts of themed lollies and prepping worthy Halloween costumes. Maybe I’ll even read the book this time.
The moment I really started appreciating the film was when I came across Belle DeVelle on Tiktok. The online creator has over 50 videos highlighting hidden Easter eggs, and it’s so worth the watch.
Since discovering their content, I’ve fallen down another rabbit hole. From the music choices and design elements to the amount of clothing items inside the tunnel itself (spoiler: it belongs to the dead kids), the level of detail in the film blew my mind.
Even that intro sequence inside the Beldum’s sewing room and the rash on Coraline’s hand are eerily significant. Everything has a purpose.
But the only way to fully embrace this new obsession is to chat to a Coraline fanatic. Luckily, Abbey Sheather, the Junkee and Punkee videographer, is a massive fan, and of course, she starts off strong.
“Coraline is simply the most perfect movie ever,” she says. “Absolute bold claim, yes, but true. Watching it as an eight year old is genuinely just as exciting and thrilling as watching at the ripe old age of 23.”
Abbey also has a little message for any skeptics.
“You have to appreciate the art in its storytelling, the great voice actors, the talented visual artists. Plus Coraline is an extremely well-written, unique young character. The movie’s a visual masterpiece!” she said. “And it was targeted at children.”
When I ask why she loves the film so much, she has plenty to say but speaks mostly about how refreshing it was to see a character that wasn’t “the girl next door” or stereotypically pretty girl vibes, even if we do love them.
“I think the reason so many young girls liked it in particular is because we hadn’t been exposed to such a strong and different character on our screens, so when this stubborn, loud, blue-haired, yellow raincoat-wearing gal started outsmarting adults, I was so engrossed!” she said.
And Abbey, like me, just can’t get enough of the insane intricacies in the film — there’s so much to love. When I ask about her favourite Easter egg, she can’t choose.
“The iconic double loop in the word ‘home’ on Coraline’s welcome cake to indicate the Other Mother was lying about her being home, or the lightning bolt that resembles the Other Mother’s hand,” she says.
The Coraline buff even points out that the stop-motion film took FOUR whole years to make, with over 500 people in the production team.
“I feel like kissing their feet even more,” she gushes. ”That is such an insane amount of talent, patience and expertise.” I couldn’t agree more.
And yet, I’m still kind of confused about how the book is for kids. I guess I should actually read it. Hopefully before its “almost a sequel”, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, comes out.
Written by Nishika Sharma, who’s on her way to becoming utterly obsessed with ‘Coraline’, too. You can follow her at @nishikasharma_ on socials.
Image credit: IMDb + Punkee