The Boxtrolls

A closer look at the story

The people of Cheesebridge, a wealthy town with a Victorian air, are devoted to luxury and to pungent cheeses. A terrifying legend is believed by all: at night, creatures called Boxtrolls climb out from beneath the pavements to steal children and precious cheese. The truth is very different. The Boxtrolls are a community living in great caverns underground, carrying homes made of recycled cardboard on their backs. Living alongside them is an orphaned human boy whom they have raised. The wicked exterminator Archibald Snatcher is determined to wipe the Boxtrolls out. Determined to protect both his adoptive family and the townsfolk, the boy dares to leave the sewers and his box behind and venture above ground. Directed by Graham Annable and Anthony Stacchi and adapted from Alan Snow's novel, this 97-minute 2014 animation features the voices of Ben Kingsley, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Elle Fanning and Toni Collette.