I have said it a few times and I’ll probably say it a few more times in the future, it takes a legendary skill in filmmaking to be able to fit a prominent message with numerous layers of essence around different subject matters in such a short duration. Short filmmakers are amazing, when done right!
This here is just a lovely wholesome 32min of pure bliss. I feel like the actual story here is purposely designed to make no sense so the focus is on the characters and the messages they have been sent to deliver. It’s a fantasy story that follows a boy who is lost and meets a mole whilst trying to find home then a fox then eventually a horse, you could have guessed that right? A random band of mammals who have no business being friends but we are showcased a rare display of instant friendship and love. In real life I find before even kicking of an interaction there’s a conscious or subconscious screening process. We tend to analyse clothing, skin colour, accent and so many variables then once we are past that initial stage there’s another screening to establish if a friendship can be formed then to mention romance etc. this part of the film shows pure innocence, benefit of the doubt and swift gratification. It’s done so seamlessly it can be easily missed. From there bit by bit the other characters are introduced.
Idris plays the Fox and his initial opening dialogue just screamed Shere Khan from the 2016 Jungle Book. After a few scenes he tones it back and we get the cool idris we all know and love. The voice cast here is quite an ensemble. Jude Coward Nicoll leads us through this bright journey as the Boy, Tom Hollander is excellent as the Mole. He captures the innocence and ignorant tone of his character. Gabriel Byrne is charming and yet fragile in his role as the Horse. All performances enchant and heighten the theme of the film brilliantly.
The display here is majestic. They literally bring a story book to life. The animation is slick, smooth, bright and clean. It has this cute little feel to it that keeps it light and fresh. It’s a mixture of almost 3D animations and still images. The art style fits so well.
I’m a big fan of the themes here despite there being so many. It’s very simple. Be kind. Something we need to carry in our everyday lives and play our part in this world, contributing to its existence. There’s also “don’t be afraid to ask for help” which resonated with me and I’ll be inclined to practise it more. Last but not least “always be you and always live and speak your truth”. I’m a big believer of this phrase.
All in all a recommended watch. I can say it’s a children flick but I do feel a lot of those themes will “go over a child’s head”. However that won’t take away from the fun filled, joyous journey of surprises this movie would take them on. I’d take a 5 episode series because I speak for everyone when I say… we want to know, does he get his cake?
