The Wasteland Reviewer

Stitch Head (2025) Written Review

What is the greatest, monstrous creation in all of literature and pop culture? Frankenstein’s Monster (Creation, or Creature) certainly takes the cake. There have been so many different adaptations of this monstrous entity who ranges from full blown beast to empathetic and misunderstood being. From Boris Karloff to Robert De Niro to Christopher Lee, so many interactions have graced that silver screen. Even Kevin James brought some levity to the role in an animated form. But filmmaker Steve Hudson brings the idea of creating monsters by a mad scientist back to the silver screen with the new animated flick Stitch Head (just in time for Halloween). 

Does Stitch Head offer up a new, fun, and colorful reimagining of the Frankenstein story? Stitch Head is not the most faithful exploration of Frankenstein, but it does navigate some interesting and meaningful themes and ideas. The presentation though is where things get interesting. Based on Guy Bass’ book, Stitch Head is a strange and colorful animated experience. The character designs are creative and fun as you get introduced to a whole community of grotesque monsters created by the Mad Professor. They are strange amalgamations of different creatures and such which makes them fun to experience. The filmmaking from Hudson is a lot of fun too with plenty of bold camera movements and angles (recreated through the animation). Bring on the Dutch Angles! The animation quality is not quite on a big studio level, but the more simplistic approach is not too detrimental when the strange looking presentation works well for the overall experience of this specific film. There are musical elements as well in the film, but they are quite hit or miss (probably would have been better without them). There is some fun action along the way too with a few bursts of energy and excitement. 

Does Stitch Head offer up a fun and engaging story along the way? The themes which make up the foundation of the film are rich and meaningful. These are not the most groundbreaking themes for a Frankenstein-inspired story (i.e. acceptance), but they work well for the story. For the central journey, young Stitch Head seeks out love and acceptance from humans who either neglect him or fear him. His journey to appreciate his monster community is an enjoyable journey. There are plenty of familiar elements drawn from other, more famous stories, like Frankenstein and Pinocchio but there are some fun twists that give the film some personality. This is not the freshest kids animated film out there, but it does have some fun creepy vibes for the holiday season. The journey that our titular monster goes on has predictable beats along the way but seeing him develop friends with a young girl and Mad Professor’s latest creation is quite an enjoyable journey. There are few surprises (even with the “twists” being quite obvious) but there are enough charm and fun characters to make this an enjoyable experience.

Does the voice cast deliver some personality to the proceedings? Asa Butterfield delivers an empathetic and engaging performance as Stitch Head. This is a quiet, unassuming, and kind character and Butterfield embodies that personality well. This soft-spoken performance gives way to some strength later in the film which Butterfield delivers on well. Tia Bannon, who portrays the precocious young woman who befriends Stitch Head, has some good vocal chemistry with Butterfield. Joel Fry has the most fun, for sure, as the huge and strange new Creature who becomes a good monster friend to Stitch Head along the way. Rob Brydon, an absolute gem of a character actor, gets some fun moments as well as Mad Professor. Overall, the voice work is character based and most of the voice cast disappear into these strange batches of monsters and circus performers.

Does Stitch Head make for a fun and engaging new addition to the Halloween season? This film has spooky vibes and some filmmaking flair, but it always stays in its family-friendly lane. A fun voice cast and a crazy crew of monsters give the experience plenty of personality. The animation is rock solid, and the themes are heartwarming and sincere. Predictability and familiarity might make this a more average experience, but this is still a fun time.