The Boxtrolls are a friendly clan of garbage-collecting monsters who live beneath the streets of a town called Cheesebridge. They move through tunnels and caverns built from rescued bottles, broken toys, and other odds and ends, turning the underworld into a tiny, bustling village where each Boxtroll has a unique role. They wear boxes as homes and disguises, moving with a quiet rhythm that feels both ancient and surprisingly timely. The story follows Eggs, a human boy discovered and raised by the Boxtrolls, whose curiosity becomes a bridge between two very different worlds. The film paints a warm portrait of community, care, and clever improvisation as the Boxtrolls gather scraps, mend broken gadgets, and teach one another how to survive in a city that fears outsiders. The look is tactile, emphasizing textures and crafted puppets, while the color palette blends warm, earthy tones with lantern glow to create a world that feels lived-in and inviting. The cast includes Elle Fanning voicing Winnie, Toni Collette providing a guardian figure, Simon Pegg and Sir Ben Kingsley bringing key characters to life, giving the film broad appeal across ages. The movie arrived in theatres on September 26, 2014, marking a confident step for LAIKA as it continued pushing the boundaries of stop-motion storytelling.
LAIKA’s third feature builds on the studio’s reputation for imaginative storytelling and craft. Coraline and Paranorman had already shown that stop-motion could carry big emotions alongside quirky humor, and The Boxtrolls adds another layer of whimsy to that tradition. The film creates a fully realized world beneath Cheesebridge, where machines hum softly and every surface hints at a hidden story. A sneak peek trailer teased a blend of humor and menace, inviting audiences to peek into a community seen through the eyes of Eggs and the mischievous Boxtrolls. Production blends practical puppetry with modern lighting and digital polish to bring the trolls to life while preserving a tangible sense of scale. The voice lineup anchors the project, with Winnie voiced by Elle Fanning and a strong ensemble including Toni Collette, Simon Pegg, and Sir Ben Kingsley powering important roles. Directors Anthony Stacchi and Graham Annable shaped the film’s rhythm, balancing lighthearted mischief with moments of genuine emotion as the tale unfolds in a city that looks like a fairy-tale gone slightly awry.
The Boxtrolls stands for more than a charming diversion. It explores belonging, family, and the courage to stand with friends who seem different. The journey follows Eggs and unlikely allies as they challenge fear and corruption, highlighting teamwork and clever problem solving. The animation showcases craftsmanship with an emphasis on hands-on construction, expressive character designs, and a world assembled from recycled objects that feels alive. LAIKA’s signature blend of humor and heart is evident in the dialogue, the chemistry between characters, and the film’s willingness to address darker themes while remaining accessible to younger audiences. While the backdrop nods to a Victorian urban vibe, the tone remains fresh, lively, and surprisingly contemporary in its messages about acceptance and community. The project demonstrates how craft, performance, and storytelling can converge to deliver a memorable cinematic experience that resonates beyond its initial release.