Film review: 'Anomalisa'

The utterly unique and somewhat bizarre new film, "Anomalisa," is actually quite sweet. It's format is stop-motion animation, which stars fabricated puppets. And, yes, it is a disorienting concept at first, but soon it's very easy to fall into the lovely abyss.

Michael Stone (voiced by David Thewlis) is a famous motivational speaker who's far from motivated with his mundane existence. While on an overnight trip to Cincinnati, he meets a woman named Lisa (the voice of Jennifer Jason Leigh), a huge fan staying in the same hotel. Already enamored by Michael, could she possibly be the love of his life?

It looks so, as Lisa swoons, while Michael croons. They soon find themselves in bed with one another, and puppet sex ensues. But expect the unexpected. The act itself is so beautiful and tender that Michael is brought to tears. The intimacy is on a level that makes one feel somewhat voyeuristic. And it took six months to create.

This is all achieved through the genius of directors Charlie Kaufman ("Adaptation") and Duke Johnson. They've constructed an immensely emotional film that addresses isolation, desolation and the prospect of connection in a seemingly cold universe. Aside from Michael and Lisa, all of the other characters are voiced solely by Tom Noonan, which promotes the theme that life is merely a state of redundancy. The characters also have a gender-bender thing going on, which further draws the audience into the overall surreal feel of this brilliant film.   

Michael tells Lisa that she is an anomaly and dubs her "Anomalisa." It's an extraordinary moment for her to feel truly accepted and loved. This is a film about humans bonding and the power it wields.

On an emotional scale, "Anomalisa" soars to heights rarely achieved by puppets. It will definitely leave an indelible imprint on your heart.