MirrorMask (2005)

Caught in the vibrant chaos of her family's circus, 15-year-old Helena yearns for the ordinary—the allure of 'real life' away from the dazzling rings and eccentric performers. Following a heated altercation with her parents over her future, her mother is abruptly taken ill, leaving Helena guilt-stricken and convinced she's to blame. On the eve of her mother's critical surgery, Helena's world is turned inside out as she's swept into a dream—or perhaps a nightmare more tangible than she could have imagined. In this dimension of fantastical dichotomy, Helena finds herself in the Dark Lands—a surreal expanse inhabited by towering giants, enigmatic Monkeybirds and sphinxes whispering riddles in the shadows. This strange world teeters precariously on the brink of calamity. Its white queen, a mirror image of her ailing mother, languishes, her life-force diminishing. The kingdom's salvation and Helena's return to reality hinge on a mythic artifact—the MirrorMask. Guided by masked denizens and caught between two opposing queens, Helena embarks on a quest to unearth the elusive MirrorMask. As she traverses this bizarre landscape, she begins to question the nature of her journey. Is this world merely a figment of her dreaming mind, a surreal escape from her guilt and anxiety? Or has she stumbled into a reality far more sinister, the strings of her fate manipulated by forces beyond her control? In this mesmerizing blend of reality and fantasy, "MirrorMask" explores the labyrinth of a young girl's psyche, her guilt, her dreams, and the extraordinary adventures born of extraordinary circumstances. Embark on Helena's journey, a vivid tapestry of imagination, emotion, and the power of self-discovery.

MirrorMask is a fantasy movie featuring Stephanie Leonidas and directed by Dave McKean.

MirrorMask is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy MirrorMask on Amazon Video, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.