Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

Set in Mussolini era Italy, this retelling imagines a wooden boy who is brought to life through magic. The boy named Pinocchio must figure out what it means to be real while a growing fascist state shadows everyday life. His creator Geppetto loves him and imposes expectations that clash with the boy’s own desires for freedom, friendship, and a place in a dangerous world. The movie uses stop motion animation and a somber, lyrical tone to examine faith, duty, and the cost of obedience. It blends fairy tale whimsy with political critique, offering a fresh, dark look at a familiar tale.

Directed by Mark Gustafson, this stop motion adaptation reimagines Carlo Collodi's tale through Guillermo del Toro's vision. It premiered at festivals in 2022 and was released by Netflix later that year.

It earned critical acclaim and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, marking a milestone for animated storytelling that leans toward adult themes while staying faithful to the fairy tale roots.

Its bold visuals and anti fascist subtext have sparked discussion about adapting familiar fairy tales for adult audiences. The stop motion aesthetics and haunting score have left a mark on the animation world and inspired future projects.

Critics praised the film for its artistry, mood, and mature themes. It tackles authority versus independence, the price of obedience, and the human cost of propaganda, delivering a film that lingers long after the credits roll.