Missing Link Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pompous cryptozoologist kidnaps a Sasquatch and forces him on a road trip to the Himalayas to prove he’s cool to a bunch of old dudes, but the Sasquatch just wants friends.

🍿 Missing Link: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Mythical Discovery

In 1886, Sir Lionel Frost, a self-proclaimed investigator of myths and monsters, seeks acceptance from London’s high society adventuring elite. He makes a deal with his rival, Lord Piggot-Dunceby: prove the existence of a Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest, and gain membership to their exclusive club.

Meeting Mr. Link

Frost journeys to America and encounters the Sasquatch, whom he names Mr. Link. Link, literate and yearning for companionship, reveals he contacted Frost and seeks his help in finding his Yeti relatives in the Himalayas. He is lonely and desires to find a place where he belongs.

A Perilous Journey

Piggot-Dunceby, fearing the challenge to his conservative views, hires bounty hunter Willard Stenk to stop Frost. Frost and Link team up with Adelina Fortnight, a widow possessing a map to the Himalayas, embarking on a globe-trotting adventure fraught with danger and intrigue.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sir Lionel Frost (Hugh Jackman): A charismatic but self-absorbed investigator of myths and monsters seeking validation from his peers.
• Mr. Link (Zach Galifianakis): A gentle and intelligent Sasquatch, yearning to find his Yeti relatives and a sense of belonging.
• Adelina Fortnight (Zoe Saldaña): A fiercely independent adventurer and widow who possesses a vital map and a past connection to Sir Lionel.
• Lord Piggot-Dunceby (Stephen Fry): The pompous and conservative leader of the explorers society who opposes Sir Lionel’s progressive ideas.
• Willard Stenk (Timothy Olyphant): A ruthless bounty hunter hired by Lord Piggot-Dunceby to stop Sir Lionel at all costs.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mr. Link: “My name is Susan.” – Mr. Link reveals his chosen name after hearing it from a friendly prospector, showcasing his desire for connection and identity.
• Mr. Link: “I read about you in the papers.” – Said to Sir Lionel, it highlights Link’s curiosity and learning through human culture, setting up their partnership.
• Sir Lionel Frost: “He’s more human than you’ll ever be!” – Frost passionately defends Mr. Link against the elitist Lord Piggot-Dunceby, marking a turning point in his character arc.
• Adelina Fortnight: “I do not even want to know how you got this.” – Adelina’s reaction to Lionel wearing a nun outfit is both humorous and indicative of her strong personality.
• Mr. Link: “There was a nun. We mugged her.” – Mr. Link matter-of-factly explains how they acquired the nun’s habit, adding a layer of dark humor to the film.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $100,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,649,539
• Worldwide Gross: $26,565,710

💥 Missing Link Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored ‘Missing Link’! The animation is breathtaking, and the characters are so lovable. The scene where Mr. Link gets his name ‘Susan’ is hilarious. I felt so invested in their journey, and the ending left me with a big smile. It’s one of those movies that reminds you how much you love animation.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of stop-motion animation”
  • “Families looking for adventure movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate witty humor and heartwarming stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild action violence”
  • “Some perilous situations”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A visually stunning stop-motion adventure with a heartwarming story about friendship and belonging. Laika continues to impress with its technical artistry and clever storytelling.
• Variety: “Laika’s ‘Missing Link’ delivers visual splendor and witty humor, showcasing the studio’s mastery of stop-motion animation. While the story may be familiar, the characters and their journey are thoroughly engaging.
• IndieWire: “With its incredible stop-motion animation and charming characters, ‘Missing Link’ is a delightful adventure for audiences of all ages. Laika once again proves its unique talent for creating memorable and visually captivating stories.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the heartwarming story of friendship and acceptance.: The animation was praised for its incredible detail and artistry, creating a visually stunning experience.

Many found the humor witty and appreciated the blend of adult and kid-friendly jokes.: The voice acting, especially Zach Galifianakis as Mr. Link, was consistently highlighted as a major strength.

Overall Consensus: ‘Missing Link’ is a visually stunning and heartwarming stop-motion adventure praised for its charming characters, witty humor, and exceptional animation. While the story may be somewhat familiar, the overall experience is highly enjoyable for viewers of all ages.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Animated)- 2020

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The bar sequence in ‘Missing Link’ has more shots than any other sequence ever produced in stop-motion animation, showcasing the immense effort and detail put into the film.”
• “Over 110 sets were meticulously constructed for ‘Missing Link’, highlighting the dedication of Laika’s animation team to create a visually stunning and immersive world.”
• “The film subtly nods to the crimes of colonialism and old-world conservatism, adding a layer of depth and social commentary to its adventure narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch Missing Link?

Missing Link is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for streaming availability, as services may vary by region. Physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) can be purchased from major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Missing Link, you might like these similar films:

• Around the World in 80 Days (2004): Both feature Victorian-era adventures with a race against time and a focus on global exploration.
• Kubo and the Two Strings (2016): Another visually stunning stop-motion film by Laika, showcasing their unique animation style and heartfelt storytelling.
• Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Shares the spirit of adventure and globe-trotting quest for mythical artifacts, with a similar blend of action and humor.
• Sherlock Holmes (2009): Set in a similar time period, it captures the essence of adventure, investigation, and eccentric characters.
• The Boxtrolls (2014): Similar in animation style, the themes of acceptance of others and the importance of family, even if unconventional.

🛒 Missing Link Related Products

• Missing Link (Blu-ray): Bring the adventure home with the Blu-ray edition, featuring behind-the-scenes content and a deeper look at the making of the stop-motion masterpiece.
• Missing Link: The Board Game: Embark on a cooperative adventure with friends and family. Strategize to navigate treacherous landscapes and outsmart villains on a quest to Shangri-La, capturing the essence of the film’s thrilling journey.
• Missing Link Mr. Link Plush: A cuddly and detailed Mr. Link plush toy. Made with high-quality materials, this plush is perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
• The Art of Missing Link: A behind-the-scenes book showcasing the beautiful artwork, character designs, and stop-motion techniques used in the making of ‘Missing Link’.

🎧 Soundtrack

Missing Link features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Do-Dilly-Do (A Friend Like You)” – performed by Walter Martin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

How Stop-Motion Movies Are Animated At The Studio Behind ‘Missing Link’ | Movies Insider

Ever wondered how stop-motion movies like ‘Missing Link’ are made? This video from Insider gives you a peek into Laika Studios, where they painstakingly craft every single frame! Honestly, the amount of work that goes into these movies is insane!

Everything Wrong With Missing Link In 15 Minutes Or Less

Looking for a funny take on ‘Missing Link’? CinemaSins points out all the movie’s sins in this video, but don’t worry, it’s all in good fun! It’s interesting to see a critical perspective, and they bring up some valid points!

Shooting on “ones” vs. “twos” in stop motion animation | MISSING LINK | TIFF 2019

Want to understand some of the animation techniques used in ‘Missing Link’? Director Chris Butler breaks down the difference between shooting on “ones” and “twos” – it sounds complicated, but he explains it so well! You’ll have a new appreciation for stop-motion after this!

✨ Rate