Aardman’s Masterpiece: Why The Curse of the Were-Rabbit Never Gets Old

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is truly one of those rare movies that you can watch over and over again and never get bored of it. Its timeless charm stems from a perfect blend of animation, voice acting, and quintessentially British humor, making it a standout in the world of stop-motion cinema.

From start to finish, the film is incredibly charming, showcasing Aardman Animations at their absolute best. The stop-motion animation here is probably the finest I have seen from the studio so far (though I’m yet to watch Shaun the Sheep Movie and Early Man). Every single frame looks painstakingly hand-crafted, which adds a tactile, artisanal feel that CGI simply can’t replicate. Their bold choice to incorporate real fur into the models was particularly daring but it absolutely paid off. It brings a unique texture and warmth to the characters, which is especially effective given the film’s status as a horror parody. The were-rabbit itself is a masterstroke of design — one moment it looks genuinely terrifying, embodying the classic horror monster vibe, and the next it’s endearing and cuddly, adding an amusing contrast that plays perfectly into the comedic tone.

Turning the story into a horror parody was an ingenious creative decision. It elevates the humor to a whole new level by treating the vegetable crops in the town as if they were beloved children. The townspeople’s reactions to the were-rabbit devouring their vegetables mimic the dramatic responses you’d expect from a murder mystery, which both satirizes and celebrates traditional horror tropes. This clever framing not only enriches the plot but also gives the film its unique blend of suspense and laughter.

The voice acting is equally remarkable and plays a huge role in the film’s charm. Peter Sallis’s iconic portrayal of Wallace, with his posh yet endearing British accent, perfectly embodies the eccentric inventor’s personality. However, it’s the stellar performances from the supporting cast—especially the celebrity voices—that truly stand out. Ralph Fiennes, as Lord Victor Quartermaine, delivers a refined yet menacing performance that adds weight to the story’s conflict. Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Tottington brings a sweet and gentle energy, making her a perfect love interest for Wallace and adding a layer of warmth and sophistication to the narrative. And then there’s Nicholas Smith as the Reverend, whose comic timing and delivery provide some of the funniest scenes in the film, contributing significantly to its overall lighthearted tone.

If there’s one minor flaw, it’s the character of Victor Quartermaine himself. While he is by no means a bad villain, he falls into the trap of being a heavily clichéd antagonist. His motivations—centered around jealousy and a predictable rivalry with Wallace—are somewhat overused in cinema, which slightly undermines the otherwise fresh and inventive story. His desire to kill Wallace in the finale feels a bit formulaic, lacking the nuance or complexity that would have elevated his character to a more memorable status.

Nonetheless, this small criticism hardly detracts from the film’s overall brilliance. The Curse of the Were-Rabbit remains a delightful masterpiece of animation and storytelling. Its clever humor, meticulous craftsmanship, and heartfelt performances combine to create a film that’s not only entertaining but endlessly rewatchable.