Watch Anomalisa

Anomalisa is a 2015 stop-motion animated film directed by Charlie Kaufman and Duke Johnson. The film portrays the story of Michael Stone, a successful author and a motivational speaker who is struggling to connect with people around him. The movie is a unique blend of surrealism, realism and dark humour. The story takes place over the course of one day, following Michael Stone's trip to Cincinnati, where he plans to give a talk on his latest book, "How May I Help You Help Them?". Although he seems to be successful in his career, Michael is deeply unhappy and disconnected from the world around him. He suffers from a psychological condition known as Fregoli delusion, which makes him perceive every person he encounters as having the same voice and face.

On arriving in Cincinnati, Michael tries to reconnect with his former girlfriend, Bella, but their encounter leaves him feeling empty and unfulfilled. Later, he meets a young woman named Lisa, who is attending his talk. Unlike everyone else, Lisa has her own distinct voice and personality, which instantly intrigues Michael. He quickly becomes infatuated with her and spends the night talking to her, revealing his deepest fears and struggles. Lisa is flattered by Michael's attention and shares her own experiences with him.

Throughout the film, the story is conveyed with a sense of surrealism, as Michael's perceptions of the world around him become increasingly warped. The film's animation style is unique and impressive, with each character being painstakingly crafted and animated by hand. This adds to the movie's dream-like quality, making it feel like an abstract exploration of the human condition.

The film's themes revolve around the idea of loneliness, connection and the search for meaning in life. Michael's struggle to connect with people and find meaning in his life is relatable and poignant. His encounters with Bella and Lisa highlight the difficulty of finding true intimacy and love in a world that can feel cold and empty. The movie explores the idea that true happiness can only be achieved by connecting with others and being vulnerable enough to let them into our lives.

The performances in the movie are outstanding, with David Thewlis delivering a nuanced performance as the troubled protagonist, Michael Stone. Jennifer Jason Leigh also puts in a strong performance as the unique and endearing Lisa, breathing life into the character and making her feel real and relatable.

Overall, Anomalisa is a thought-provoking and engaging film that explores the human condition in a unique and creative way. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and surreal films with a touch of dark humour. The film's exploration of loneliness, connection and the search for meaning is both relatable and poignant, making it a compelling and emotionally resonant experience.

Anomalisa is a 2015 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 88.