Hyde Park Pick: Corpse Bride

Corpse Bride is a quintessential Burton creation, steeped in gothic charm, meticulous craftsmanship, and a deliciously dark sense of humour that remains surprisingly accessible to audiences of all ages. Two decades on, the film still dazzles visually and feels remarkably fresh compared to many of its CGI contemporaries, a true testament to the artistry of its animation and the strength of its storytelling.

Despite the skeletal limbs, decaying flesh, and the occasional body part gone astray, the Corpse Bride herself emerges as an unexpectedly empowering figure for young viewers. Her unwavering confidence, unconventional beauty, and strong sense of identity shine through, similar to the appeal of character of Wednesday in Burton’s recent viral Netflix hit.

Most family favourites surprisingly deal with death, whether it’s on or off screen, death often serves as a familiar plot device, which allows younger protagonists the freedom to follow adventures without a pesky bedtime. Personally, I’m drawn to stories that delve deeper by exploring and maybe even celebrating death, (special mention to another personal favourite, the Pixar contemporary classic, Coco). By joyfully subverting the taboo, the screen comes alive as the film explores the afterlife with vibrant visuals, music and movement, making it a cinematic experience that truly deserves to be seen on the big screen.

Corpse Bride is showing at HPPH from Sat 01 Nov. You can book tickets here.