Netflix has a bunch of animated films and TV shows on its 2026 release slate, including Skydance‘s “Swapped,” Brad Bird‘s “Ray Gunn,” and “Steps.” But there’s another stop-motion animated film, a musical dark fantasy from Arturo and Ray Ambriz and their Cinema Fantasma banner, that’s also hitting the streamer next month. The Ambrizs may not have the same draw as a name like Brad Bird, but “I Am Frankelda” should catch the notice of Netflix subscribers, and not just because the brothers are proteges of Guillermo del Toro.
Serving as a prequel to the TV show “Frankelda’s Book Of Spooks,” the new stop-motion feature film, and the first of its kind from Mexico, follows a young writer in mid-19th-century Mexico as she struggles to fulfill her dreams after being approached by a prince who needs her help to save his kingdom. Of course, there’s a supernatural twist to all of this, too…
Here’s an official synopsis for “I Am Frankelda,” courtesy of Netflix:
In 19th-century Mexico, Frankelda is a gifted writer whose dark tales are ignored and dismissed. Forced to suppress her voice, she refuses to give up, even as many try to silence her. But when she is thrust into her subconscious, the very monsters she created come to life. Guided by Herneval, a tormented prince trapped between dreams and nightmares, she must restore balance between fiction and reality before both realms collapse. Meanwhile, the sinister writer Procustes and his conspirators plot to seize control. As Frankelda and Herneval grow closer, their bond becomes both a strength and a curse. To rewrite their fate, she must confront a love that defies existence and reclaim her power as a storyteller—before dark forces consume her imagination and reveal horrors beyond her creation. Written, directed and produced by Arturo Ambriz & Roy Ambriz.
The voice cast of “I Am Frankelda” includes Mireya Mendoza, Arturo Mercardo Jr., Luis Leonardo Suarez, Carlos Segundo, Beto Castillo, and Assira Abbate. The Ambriz brothers also produce the film and pen its script.
“I Am Frankelda” had its world premiere at the 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival last June, and had several other festival screenings in 2025, including the Fantasia International Film Festival. Netflix acquired the rights to it in February of this year.
“I Am Frankelda” premieres on Netflix on June 12. Watch a trailer for the animated dark fantasy film below.
