ParaNorman

ParaNorman is a 2012 American stop-motion animated comedy horror film produced by Laika. It was co-directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler, with production by Travis Knight and a screenplay by Butler. The story is set in the New England town of Blithe Hollow, where Norman Babcock, a quiet boy who can see and speak with ghosts, is ostracized for his ability.

When a centuries-old witch’s curse resurfaces, Norman becomes the town’s unlikely savior, attempting to prevent a spectral apocalypse by convincing the living and the dead to coexist. The film explores themes of prejudice, bullying, grief, and acceptance, using supernatural elements to address real-world social issues.

ParaNorman incorporates cutting-edge stop-motion with 3D printing to create thousands of interchangeable facial expressions, enabling more nuanced performances. The voice cast includes Kodi Smit-McPhee as Norman, among other well-known actors in supporting roles. The film was released by Focus Features on August 17, 2012, and has a runtime of 92 minutes. With a production budget around $60 million, ParaNorman grossed over $110 million worldwide.

Critical reception highlighted its atmosphere, humor, and technical achievement, though some reviews noted pacing concerns. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, underscoring Laika’s continued prominence in stop-motion cinema. ParaNorman is noted for blending horror elements with coming-of-age drama, appealing to both younger audiences and adults.