The Gruffalo

Right now you can watch The Gruffalo in Australia on Stan and ABC iview, and in the UK on BBC iPlayer — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. The visual style is immediately recognisable, but the writing is what keeps you watching. Available now on Stan — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Gruffalo is worth clearing space for. The Gruffalo has the visual identity that makes it immediately recognisable, and the writing to back it up. The magical tale of a mouse who sets foot on a woodland adventure in search of a nut. Encountering predators who all wish to eat him - Fox, Owl and Snake - the brave mouse creates a terrifying, imaginary monster to frighten them away. But what will the mouse do when he meets this frightful monster for real? Helena Bonham Carter and Rob Brydon lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 2009. The visual gags in The Gruffalo reward close attention without ever depending on it. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Genuinely enjoyable for a wide range of viewers, The Gruffalo treats animation as a delivery mechanism, not a limitation. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Helena Bonham Carter brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.