Due to a scheduling mix-up, I managed to catch only two movies at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on my second day, but I did get an early look at Wildwood, a highly anticipated stop-motion fantasy from Laika, the studio behind ParaNorman and The Boxtrolls.

At TIFF, Laika’s crew revealed how the film’s smooth animation is due to advanced puppetry techniques and digital cameras that allow animators to track every movement in real time. Wildwood showcases a young girl’s adventure through a rich fantasy world, blending style with lifelike motion. The film is set for release on 23 October, promising a visually stunning experience.

Wildwood is just the latest in a string of impressive stop-motion films from Laika, known for their technical and artistic prowess. Their new approach, including advanced breathing mechanisms in puppets, ensures a fluid, almost live-action feel to the animation. This evolution in stop-motion animation is not just about aesthetics; it's about pushing the boundaries of what storytelling can achieve.

At the same event, I also had the chance to see Julián and Stuffed. Julián is a sweet, stylised tale from Cartoon Saloon, known for films like Song of the Sea. Stuffed, meanwhile, is a macabre musical about an eccentric taxidermist and his unusual life-altering arrangement. Both films, despite their differences, are packed with heart and passion, making them must-sees for TIFF-goers.