‘I am Frankelda’ is a Creative Fever Dream
I am Frankelda | Credit: Netflix
Francisca is an imaginative writer who isn’t appreciated by her family or friends. When she is transported to another realm, she is forced to use all of her creativity to maintain the balance between fiction and reality.
I am Frankelda is absolutely stunning! This stop-motion film brings to life some horrifying creatures that could only exist in our worst nightmares, and yet, there is something beautiful about all of them. During the credits, there are some clips of the team working with all of the models and gorgeous sets, which makes the film all the more impressive.
If you’re in the mood for some weird creatures and some truly beautiful stop-motion animation, definitely check out this film! This film highlights the beauty of Mexican culture, with themes that will resonate no matter your language or culture. I am Frankelda is also the perfect film for spooky season!
I am Frankelda | Credit: Netflix
Though this film is set in 19th-century Mexico, the story will likely resonate with many, especially women who have been looked down upon or misunderstood. Francisca is such a tenacious writer who simply cannot stop creating. Her writing helps her make sense of the world around her and helps her process her experiences. But she doesn’t fit in at all. Whether it's her grandmother or the kids in her class, she is consistently misunderstood. Though her lot in life is to sew and cook and clean, she is unwilling to fit into that mold. And her struggles in reality push her further and further into her writing.
You really feel that desperation and isolation that Francisca feels throughout the film. It’s easy to understand why she would go into the Realm of Terrors, and why she would want to protect this place. She doesn’t feel at home in her own home, yet in this strange location with these odd creatures, she is accepted. Her talents are appreciated. She feels worthy and valued—finally!
She also has some wonderful adventures in this other realm, which are brought to the screen beautifully by this incredibly talented team. Though the world itself is so strange, I found myself wanting to learn more about—explore more of it—because each new scene revealed a new beautiful and weird creature or setting. The visuals in I am Frankelda are so powerful that I would recommend watching this on the biggest screen possible.
This is also a really well-designed world. Though you’ve never seen anything like the Realm of Terrors before, it feels real, grounded, and lived in. As more creatures and characters are added, you can feel the immense mythology that has been written about this world that we’re just experiencing a taste of. I’m not often one for spin-offs of IP, but I would happily welcome a sequel that explores more of the world or even a prequel that helps us understand how these different groups came to be.
From the sets to the characters to the backstory, you can feel how much dedication, love, and creativity went into this film.
I am Frankelda | Credit: Netflix
Though I am Frankelda has a pretty straightforward premise, this film is truly special. The story is creative, and there are some real stakes throughout. Though you might know where the film is going, it has a few great surprises along the way.
This is a weird and wild film that I cannot recommend enough. If you’re a fan of directors like Tim Burton and Guillermo del Toro, be sure to check this one out!