Missing Link – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Missing Link

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Gorgeous stop-motion adventure about a lonely Sasquatch seeking family—visually stunning, emotionally safe, but won't blow anyone's mind.

6.7/10

88%

6.9

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Missing Link

movie

PG, 2019

72%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Gorgeous stop-motion adventure about a lonely Sasquatch seeking family—visually stunning, emotionally safe, but won't blow anyone's mind.

6.7

88%

6.9

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6.7/10

88%

6.9

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Screenwise Verdict

Missing Link is that movie you put on when you want something genuinely safe, visually gorgeous, and emotionally uncomplicated. It's Laika doing what Laika does best—meticulous stop-motion craft—but with a story that's more 'pleasant Sunday afternoon' than 'instant classic.'

The good news: zero content concerns, solid themes about acceptance and friendship, and animation so beautiful you'll pause just to appreciate the detail work. The less-good news: it's forgettable. Kids won't be quoting it at recess or begging for rewatches. It won't traumatize anyone (looking at you, Coraline button-eyes), but it also won't become a family favorite.

Think of it as the animated equivalent of a well-made but predictable middle-grade novel—competent, kind, a little slow, perfectly fine. If your kid loves stop-motion or needs something genuinely gentle after a string of intense movies, this delivers. If they need something gripping, look elsewhere.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-11 who can appreciate slower-paced storytelling and visual artistry. Younger kids might get restless; older kids might find it too predictable unless they're animation nerds.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Laika's stop-motion adventure centers on friendship, acceptance, and helping others find belonging. The trio's journey models cooperation across differences. Some mild peril and slapstick violence typical of adventure comedies, but tone remains warm and optimistic. Pacing is deliberate (stop-motion style) rather than frenetic, which some kids find calming and others find slow.

Imaginative

Laika's signature handcrafted stop-motion animation is visually stunning and showcases meticulous artistry. The premise—a Sasquatch seeking his yeti cousins in Shangri-La—blends cryptozoology with globe-trotting adventure. The world-building invites curiosity about exploration and mythical creatures. However, it's more of a 'watch and appreciate' experience than one that invites active creative participation or building.

Safe

Family-friendly adventure with typical animated action sequences—chases, falls, mild cartoon violence. No graphic content, sexual themes, or profanity. Some perilous moments (cliffs, avalanches) but handled with adventure-movie levity. The main 'surprise' element is that it's gentler than expected for an adventure film. Likely PG for action/peril, which aligns with family viewing expectations.

Enriching

Themes of acceptance, identity, and finding where you belong offer solid emotional depth. Mr. Link's search for family and Sir Lionel's journey from glory-seeking to genuine friendship provide character growth. Touches on Victorian-era exploration tropes with some self-awareness. The craftsmanship itself is educational—kids can appreciate the artistry of stop-motion. However, the execution is somewhat predictable and lacks the emotional punch of Laika's best work (Kubo, Coraline). Entertainment value is moderate; it's pleasant but not gripping.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Laika's stop-motion craftsmanship is genuinely breathtaking—each frame is a work of art that can spark appreciation for handmade animation
Themes of acceptance and belonging without being preachy; Mr. Link just wants to find his people
Refreshingly gentle for an adventure film—no traumatic deaths, no villain redemption arcs gone wrong, just a straightforward journey
Globe-trotting premise introduces Victorian-era exploration and mythical creatures in an accessible way

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What to Watch For

Some kids find stop-motion's deliberate pacing slow compared to modern CG animation—this won't hold attention like Spider-Verse
Mild adventure peril (falls, chases, avalanches) that's handled lightly but might startle very sensitive younger viewers
The story is pleasant but predictable—it's comfort food, not a narrative that'll stick with them for years

Conversation Starters

"Mr. Link is looking for family who are like him—have you ever felt like you wanted to find 'your people'?"
"Sir Lionel starts out wanting fame but ends up valuing friendship more. What matters more to you—being recognized or having good friends?"
"How do you think they made all those tiny sets and characters move? Want to look up how stop-motion animation works?"
"The movie shows explorers from the 1800s. What would you want to explore if you could go on an adventure anywhere?"

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