The Inventor review – charming stop-motion Leonardo da Vinci as voiced by Stephen Fry

Animation buffs will appreciate the artistry of this gently educational film exploring the later life of Leonardo da Vinci (an avuncular Stephen Fry). The picture, directed by Pixar story artist Jim Capobianco, is a pleasing combination of styles, blending tactile stop motion with expressive 2D hand-drawn segments (overseen by Cartoon Saloon’s Tomm Moore) that bring scientific insights to life.

Opening in Rome in 1516, The Inventor explores an eventful period in which Leonardo incurs the wrath of the pope (Matt Berry) and is invited to France and the service of King Francis I. Leonardo’s passionate pursuit of knowledge drives him to covert practices – his dissections are performed on recently exhumed corpses, stolen at night by his loyal assistants. Charming and informative as it is, the film may struggle to engage younger audiences accustomed to more overt comedy in their animated movies and less grave-robbing.