Hyde Park Pick: Stitch Head
A story with delightfully oddball characters, heartfelt sentiments and macabre flourishes.
Sylvia Barber
Based on the much-loved children’s book series by Guy Bass, this adaptation unfolds as a vibrant, heartfelt celebration of friendship, loyalty, and love. A story that effortlessly captivates its youngest viewers while offering plenty of wit for their adults.
Stitch Head, a long‑overlooked, quietly heroic figure who has spent a lifetime in the shadows. Tasked with wrangling an ever‑expanding assortment of hybrid monsters, each one brought to almost life by a delightfully unhinged professor in pursuit of his “perfect creation”. Stitch Head becomes the reluctant guardian of a wonderfully oddball family. These creatures are voiced by an exceptional ensemble of British comedic talent, whose performances infuse the film with charm, sharp humour, and a parade of quirky musical moments.
This Frankenstein‑inspired tale beautifully channels the imagination of the original books. It dances between the spooky and the sweet, embracing the fun of the horror genre with macabre flourishes and darker thematic undercurrents, while still ensuring the tone remains accessible and inviting for families. Long-time fans will revel in how faithfully the film brings Bass’s eccentric universe to life, but newcomers will find just as much to enjoy in its vibrant animation, riotously fun characters, and a steady stream of silly surprises designed to keep even the wriggliest young audience glued to the screen.
And while the film carries the moral resonance expected of great children’s storytelling, celebrating individuality, compassion, and the beauty in what makes us different, it’s the deliciously shadowy edges, the playful creepiness, and the gentle gothic whimsy that truly set it apart. These touches promise to delight budding horror enthusiasts and ensure Stitch Head stands proudly out from the crowd of more predictable family fare.
Stitch Head is showing at HPPH on Sat 28 Feb from 11:00 with free crafts from 10:30, and on Sun 01 Mar at 11:00 (Autism-friendly screening) and 11:30. Book your Pay What You Can tickets here.
