As a lifelong fan of stop-motion animation, the announcement of the Laika: Frame By Frame exhibition at the BFI Southbank felt like a Christmas miracle wrapped in a Halloween treat. Before I get into why I loved this exhibition, I have to mention that it’s free! All you have to do is head on over to the BFI website and book your time slop. No need to pay a dime to see this wonderful exhibition in central London!
This is the stuff of dreams for any animation enthusiast, a chance to immerse oneself in the meticulous artistry of a studio that has redefined the genre. Coraline, Kubo and the Two Strings, The Boxtrolls—the list of Laika films is like a greatest hits album of modern animation. The very prospect of seeing the painstaking detail that goes into these films up close had me giddy with anticipation.
Upon entering the exhibition, it was immediately clear that this was no ordinary gallery visit. The BFI has transformed its space into a playground of creativity, where the boundary between the viewer and the artist becomes delightfully blurred.
For those unacquainted with the intricate art of stop-motion, Laika: Frame By Frame offers a comprehensive introduction to the painstaking process that breathes life into these films. And for the seasoned aficionados, it’s an opportunity to geek out over the minutiae that go into every frame. From the smallest prop to the most expressive puppet, the exhibition is a testament to Laika’s commitment to its craft. And yes, it’s every bit as magical as you’d hope.
The Magic Behind the Madness
Credit: Toby Lewis Thomas, courtesy LAIKA and BFI
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Let’s be real: stop-motion is a bit bonkers. Unlike traditional 2D animation or the slick world of CGI, stop-motion is gloriously, delightfully analogue. It’s the result of thousands of tiny, incremental movements, each photographed one frame at a time. The end product? A motion picture that feels uniquely textured and alive, with a tangible sense of the hands that created it. And nobody does it better than Laika.
The exhibition at the BFI takes you behind the curtain, showing how the magic happened for each Laika movie the studio’s ever released. One of the most striking displays is a life-sized model of the garden from Coraline.
I was amazed at how the scene, which in the film feels expansive and immersive, is actually a compact, intricately designed set. The attention to detail is staggering. Every blade of grass, every twisted tree branch, is meticulously crafted to create an otherworldly yet familiar landscape. It’s a reminder that in the world of stop-motion, nothing is left to chance.
As I wandered through the displays, I was struck by the sheer variety of techniques Laika employs. From the hand-painted facial expressions of the characters to the 3D-printed components that allow for more fluid motion, the studio blends old-school craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
The result is a body of work that’s both timeless and innovative. And let’s not forget the puppets—those wonderfully expressive figures that are the heart and soul of any stop-motion film. Seeing them in person, up close and personal, is a bit like meeting a celebrity. Except these celebs are made of silicone and metal, and they’re way cooler.
A Journey Through Laika’s Greatest Hits
Credit: Toby Lewis Thomas, courtesy LAIKA and BFI
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The exhibition isn’t just a technical showcase; it’s also a celebration of the films themselves. Each section is dedicated to one of Laika’s major releases, with props, sets, and storyboards on display to give you a sense of the creative journey behind each film. It’s like walking through a greatest hits album, with each display serving as a track that brings back memories of the first time you watched these incredible films.
For me, the highlight was the Kubo and the Two Strings section. Not only is Kubo one of Laika’s most visually stunning films, but it’s also a powerful story about family, memory, and the art of storytelling itself. Seeing the giant skeleton puppet from the film—one of the largest stop-motion puppets ever created—was a jaw-dropping experience. The puppet took months to build and animate. Standing next to it, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the dedication and craftsmanship that went into bringing this character to life.
Another standout is the Coraline section, which delves into the creation of the film’s otherworldly atmosphere. The film’s use of colour to differentiate the real world from the Other World is explored in detail, with original concept art and colour palettes on display. It’s a fascinating insight into how Laika uses every tool at its disposal to tell its stories in a visually compelling way.
Final Thoughts on the Laika: Frame By Frame Exhibition
Credit: Toby Lewis Thomas, courtesy LAIKA and BFI
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If you’re a fan of Laika movies or stop-motion animation in general, the Laika: Frame By Frame exhibition at the BFI is an absolute must-see. It’s a rare opportunity to see the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into these films up close, and it will give you a new appreciation for the incredible work that goes into every frame. But even if you’re not a die-hard fan, there’s something here for everyone.
The exhibition is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the joy of making things by hand. It’s a reminder that in a world increasingly dominated by digital media, there’s still a place for the tactile, the tangible, and the human touch.
Whether you’re a long-time Laika devotee or a curious newcomer, Laika: Frame By Frame is an exhibition that will leave you inspired, amazed, and perhaps even a little bit humbled by the extraordinary power of stop-motion animation.
