When I was a child and Coraline first released I was horrified of the film and could never watch it all the way through. Now that I am an adult I finally have and I think after reading both the novel and seeing the film I finally understand the film.
Watching Coraline for the first time as an adult was a completely different experience than what my childhood fears imagined. As a kid, I couldn’t make it through the movie — the eerie button eyes and the uncanny world terrified me. But now, watching it as a 20-year-old, I realized it’s more than just a creepy stop-motion film. It’s a dark, symbolic story about temptation, neglect, and identity.
The Beldam (Other Mother) The Beldam represents manipulation disguised as love. She’s the embodiment of temptation — offering Coraline everything she craves: attention, delicious meals, and parents who seem to care. But her perfection is artificial. Her goal isn’t to nurture; it’s to possess. By creating a fantasy world tailored to Coraline’s desires, she lures her into complacency. The Beldam symbolizes toxic relationships and how abusers often present charm before revealing control. Her button eyes, stitched smile, and spider-like body reflect how she spins emotional webs to trap her victims.
The Ghost Children The ghost children are tragic warnings of what happens when someone gives in. They once accepted the Beldam’s offer, trading their freedom for false happiness. Now, they exist as lost souls, forever voiceless and unseen. They guide Coraline by showing the price of giving up one’s will. Their fading presence adds emotional weight — they’re victims of neglect and manipulation, reminding us how easily innocence can be stolen.
The Symbolism of the Eyes Eyes are a major theme throughout the film, symbolizing awareness, truth, and identity. The Beldam’s request to have Coraline sew buttons over her eyes represents surrendering one’s perception and individuality. Once the buttons replace real eyes, a person no longer “sees” reality — they become blind to deception. Coraline’s refusal to lose her eyes is her refusal to lose herself.
The Cat The black cat is both mysterious and wise, acting as Coraline’s moral compass. Unlike other characters, he moves freely between worlds, representing insight, instinct, and independence. His sarcastic but protective attitude helps Coraline realize that courage doesn’t mean being fearless — it means choosing to act despite fear. The cat also reflects the adult voice of reason, challenging Coraline’s assumptions and encouraging her to think critically.
The Ending In the end, Coraline triumphs by using her cleverness, bravery, and empathy. She doesn’t just defeat the Beldam; she grows. Returning home, she learns to appreciate her real parents and the imperfect but genuine love they provide. The garden scene at the end mirrors her emotional transformation — from isolation to connection. Watching this as an adult, the message hits harder: life isn’t about fantasy or perfection. It’s about authenticity, resilience, and self-trust — values that only come from facing, not fleeing, the real world.
I’d like to also add that I confidently believe that the cat disappearing into the signpost signifies that the Other World still exists and The Beldam still has a mental grasp on Coraline even if she escaped the evil witch’s hands.
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