I Am Frankelda

Mixing Gothic elements with Mexican culture, bright colors, and intricate details, the unique fairytale is both mesmerizing to watch and emotionally entrancing.

There’s only so much marveling at brilliant and grotesque creature designs that can be done before the story needs to get on its feet, but I Am Frankelda does eventually click into place once its world is fully established.

This is a story-first project utilizing everything at its disposal to enchant, entertain, and inspire with catchy songs, three-dimensional characters, and impeccable craft.

An everything-and-the-talavera-sink stop-motion delight that synthesises magic, music and the macabre into a mostly exhilarating, occasionally exhausting cinematic experience, Mexico’s first stop-motion feature was more than worth the wait. Bring on its second!

I Am Frankelda can feel overstuffed with plotlines at times, but like a plastic jack-o’-lantern bucket overflowing with candy: bright, beautiful, spooky — and ultimately, a treat.

It's a touching tale with strong characters, visual spectacle and plenty of imagination. Only an overcomplicated second half, with its unsatisfying finale, prevents the film becoming the modern stop-motion classic it occasionally threatens to be.

Even if the color palette and general design feels distinctly Mexican, “Frankelda’s” story is generic, unfocused and no “Book of Life”or “Coco.” It offers little for adults and even less for its alleged target audience, children.