From a mysterious enchanted forest to a robot discovering the meaning of love and a terrifying transformation in the DC universe, Limelight Cinemas is delivering a diverse mix of fantasy, science fiction and horror to the big screen this week.
Speaking on the latest Limelight Cinemas Podcast, Lex joined DJ Sparky to preview three releases — Wildwood, Klara and the Sun and Clayface — as the cinema continues its Halloween programming.
While October has already delivered plenty of frightening films, this week’s selection offers something for families, science fiction enthusiasts and horror fans looking for one more scare before Halloween.
Wildwood brings Coraline-style magic to the big screen
Fans of the animated fantasy favourite Coraline have another adventure to look forward to, with Wildwood bringing a mysterious and sometimes frightening forest to life.
From the creative team behind Coraline, the film follows a young girl who ventures into a forbidden wilderness on a mission to rescue her brother.
Along the way, she encounters strange creatures, unexpected dangers and an extraordinary world hidden beyond the familiar.
Lex said the film would particularly appeal to audiences who enjoyed the darker storytelling and distinctive animation associated with Coraline.
“Think enchanted forest, some strange creatures, and it follows the journey of a young girl who is venturing into this strange forest and into the forbidden wilderness as she goes on a rescue mission,” Lex said.
“She discovers that the world is a little bit more extraordinary than she could ever have imagined.”
While the movie is aimed at younger audiences, Lex said adults would also find plenty to appreciate.
She described the film as having a slightly darker tone than traditional children’s animation, blending fantasy, adventure and unsettling moments.
“A little bit horror for maybe the kids, but I think adults are really going to appreciate this one as well,” she said.
“If you’re a fan of Coraline, then definitely come along and check this one out.”
Lex admitted she was particularly excited about the release because of her affection for the earlier film.
“I’m such a big fan of Coraline, so I can’t wait to see this one.”
The film’s trailer introduces audiences to the mysterious forest and the creatures living within it, while establishing the young girl’s determination to rescue her brother.
With its combination of imaginative storytelling and darker fantasy elements, Wildwood offers an alternative for families wanting something a little different during Halloween.
Klara and the Sun explores AI, love and human connection
Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly familiar part of everyday life, and Klara and the Sun explores what might happen when that technology becomes part of the family.
The film stars Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams and is based on the novel of the same name.
Directed by Taika Waititi, the story follows Klara, an artificial friend designed to provide companionship.
When Klara is chosen to live with a family, she begins learning about human relationships, emotions and the complexities of love.
Lex said the premise was particularly relevant given the increasing role artificial intelligence plays in modern society.
“We’re surrounded in a world of AI right now,” she said.
“You really can’t get through your day-to-day life without some element of it.”
However, rather than focusing solely on the technology itself, the film explores deeper questions about what it means to care for another person.
“What can this AI person teach us about love and hope and connection and their understanding of it?” Lex said.
“Do they have a better understanding of it than what we do as humans?”
The trailer introduces Klara as an artificial friend who hopes to be selected by a family.
Despite being considered an older model, Klara is chosen by a young girl named Josie, who believes there is something special about her.
As Klara settles into her new home, she begins observing the family’s relationships and struggles, gradually developing her own understanding of the world.
But the story takes a darker turn as Klara becomes increasingly determined to help the people around her.
Lex said the combination of artificial intelligence, family relationships and emotional storytelling made the film particularly intriguing.
Taika Waititi brings his distinctive style
Lex also highlighted the involvement of filmmaker Taika Waititi, whose previous work includes Jojo Rabbit.
She said his distinctive approach to storytelling was another reason to look forward to the film.
“Taika Waititi is behind Klara and the Sun, and I’m such a fan of his work,” she said.
“He’s done Jojo Rabbit. He’s very quirky, he’s very fun, so I’m sure you got that from the trailer.”
While the movie deals with serious questions about humanity and technology, Lex said audiences could expect the filmmaker’s unusual sense of humour and creative storytelling to play a role.
Special book bedazzling screening this Sunday
To celebrate the release of Klara and the Sun, Limelight Cinemas is hosting a special interactive screening on Sunday, October 25.
The event will combine the movie with a creative book-decorating activity.
Ticket holders will receive a movie-poster edition of Klara and the Sun, featuring Jenna Ortega on the cover, along with materials to decorate their copy of the book.
Lex said the screening would include small tables and dimmed lighting, allowing participants to add decorations to their books while watching the film.
“You’ll get a copy of the Klara and the Sun movie poster version, some bedazzling tools, and you can dazzle your own copy of the book whilst you watch the film,” she said.
Lex said she was particularly excited about the concept, which combines a cinema experience with a creative activity for book lovers.
The event provides an opportunity for fans of the original novel and newcomers to enjoy the story in a different way.
Further details and tickets are available through Limelight Cinemas.
Clayface takes DC into darker horror territory
For audiences seeking something more frightening, Clayface brings a very different side of the DC universe to cinemas.
Unlike the traditional superhero adventures associated with DC, the film embraces psychological and body-horror elements.
Lex warned audiences that despite its comic-book origins, Clayface was not intended as a typical family-friendly superhero movie.
“DC fans, families, this is not a DC superhero movie,” she said.
“So don’t bring the kids along to this one. Leave them at home.”
The story centres on a man undergoing a disturbing transformation that begins to change his physical appearance and identity.
As his ability to alter his face develops, the boundaries between his human identity and something far more monstrous begin to disappear.
Lex described the film as a story where identity, obsession and horror collide.
“We’re stepping into the shadows a little bit, a little bit darker, leaning into that horror element of a DC film,” she said.
“A terrifying transformation begins to blur the lines between man and monster.”
The trailer features increasingly disturbing changes to the central character’s appearance, with those around him struggling to understand what is happening.
At one point, the character is told he must learn to control his transformation, while another person questions whether they recognise him anymore.
Lex said the film offered DC fans something different from the franchise’s usual superhero adventures.
“It’s been a while since we’ve had a DC film on our big screen,” she said.
The release continues Limelight’s October horror theme, offering another unsettling experience for moviegoers in the lead-up to Halloween.
Halloween horror season nearing its finale
With Halloween approaching, Limelight Cinemas is preparing to wrap up its month of horror-themed releases and events.
Lex joked that the cinema had certainly embraced the frightening side of October.
“Horror month has been a lot, trust me, and there’s still more to come,” she said.
The latest releases offer three distinct experiences.
Wildwood provides a dark animated fantasy adventure, Klara and the Sun explores the emotional possibilities of artificial intelligence, and Clayface delivers a more disturbing interpretation of a familiar comic-book universe.
Lex said there would still be more Halloween entertainment to discuss before the month ended.
For session times, special screenings and ticket bookings, visit limelightcinemas.com.au.
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