The Sundance Film Festival 2021 is here and along with it, an animation shorts spotlight! There are 9 featured shorts — here are my reviews.
I am a big animation buff, so when I found out that there was going to be an Animation Spotlight during Sundance 2021, I knew this was going to be the first thing I watched. What I didn’t expect was to have my mind blown by most of these shorts. I love that they all bring a different animation style to the table, and tell a different story and message.
There are 9 featured animated shorts, and here are my reviews for each one.
Ghost Dogs
About: A family’s new rescue pup is terrorized by deceased pets in this mind-bending horror.
When this animated short first started I thought it was going to be humorous. As a dog owner myself, I know mine are scared of the robot vacuum for no reason. But within a minute or two, the short takes a complete turn into a dark and twisted story that I did not see coming. There are ghost dogs and they are CREEPY. They almost look human and that really got to me — in a good way.
As you likely know if you have followed me for a while now, I LOVE to be terrified. And this short did it for me. In fact, when it ended, I had to watch it again. It is trippy, creepy, and so bizarre — but in the absolute best way possible. The animation style is amazing and there are some really great transitions toward the end. I don’t want to give anything away but this short was my favorite of the Sundance animation spotlight.
GNT
About: Glenn is a woman on an unwholesome mission, but just how far will she go to conquer the clique—and social media at large?
I totally get where this short was trying to go. Talking about social media and how some people will air all their dirty laundry just for followers, likes, and views. However, there is a little bit too much private part talk — and animation — for me. GNT was uncomfortable for me to watch because of the words being spoken and the animation on the screen. Some people might enjoy it, but I am not that person.
Misery Loves Company
About: As Seolgi is lying on a grass field with friends, a shooting star falls, and dark, intrusive thoughts hit her. Her melancholy blooms into bright and colorful “flower people,” dancing and wishing for a meteorite to end the world.
This short is narrated by song and animated in bright colors and visuals. The story itself, however, is quite depressing and dark. The main character wants to kill themselves but is too scared to. It is very a very quick short — only a few minutes long. I wish there had been of a message to this short, although I feel the main theme is depression. This main character clearly needs help, but is not willing to speak up about her thoughts.
The Fourfold
About: An exploration of the Indigenous worldview and wisdom based on ancient shamanistic traditions and animistic beliefs in Siberia and Mongolia. With handcrafted animation, a testament of reclaiming animism for environmental ethics and nonhuman materialities.
The animation style for The Fourfold is quite incredible. It is almost like a painting being changed and moving right in front of you. Sometimes there was actual branches or flowers — and it all came together perfectly. It was like I could feel the texture through my screen and I loved every second of it. This coupled with the soundtrack, made this a short I could not take my eyes off of. This short does a beautiful job of showcasing Mother Nature and her beauty.
Trepanation
About: What was once familiar is now unrecognizable. All previous desires are overshadowed by the need to disappear completely.
This short brings the creep factor as well. I am a fan of the animation style, which gave me Sims vibes if I am being totally honest. The “monster” is freaky, but also really sad, scared, and lonely. I almost felt bad for it. What really helped to portray the scary part is the sound that they attached to the shaking body. It gave me chills and did it’s job. The ending of this short left me feeling a little depressed for the main character. I think we have all been in her position before.
Souvenir Souvenir
About: For 10 years, I’ve pretended to make a movie out of my grandfather’s Algerian war souvenirs. Today, I’m not sure I want to hear what he has to say.
My favorite thing about this short is the changing animation style. It goes from very smooth to very rough, and I think that helps to separate the story, and what actually happened. Sometimes they blur together and that seems to be when lines have been crossed in the story.
I also really like the real photographs used. I kind of love that this is a true story short. It is as much about the creation of the animation as it is about the story being told. This is a story about war, and the horrible things the grandfather witnessed during the war. I think it is an important message about the weight that soldiers carry around with them, and how it is important to open up about them.
Little Miss Fate
About: When the opportunity arises, Little Miss Fate slips into the role of the world leader. She unintentionally creates a monster that greedily wants to suck up all the love of the world. Overwhelmed by the rapid development, she loses control.
Little Miss Fate’s title sequence and animation style had me immediately thinking about the 80s — especially with that Tamagotchi reference. I also had some Regular Show vibes here and there, which is a fantastic show, so I was here for it.
In the story there is a giant hand that is controlling the world, but takes a break to watch some — let’s say distasteful shows. The janitor, Little Miss Fate, decides to take matters into her own hands and save a couple of lives. When she does this, they fall in love, and then turn into a greedy monster that sucks everything up. There is a lot of disturbing imagery, and even a Disney reference that made me wince and want to turn away.
This short gets WEIRD you guys, but it isn’t BAD exactly. The message at the end is all about living your own destiny. Overall I enjoyed this short, even though it gets a bit bizarre.
The Fire Next Time
About: Rioting spreads as social inequality causes tempers in a struggling community to flare, but the oppressive environment takes on a life of its own as the shadows of the housing estate close in.
This is such a powerful animated short that had me shedding a few tears. It feels so relevant to today and what so many people in the country are going through. The final scene especially tugged at my heart strings. What an incredible job on this short. I love the animation style as well, but the stand out here is the message.
KKUM
About: My mother’s dreams have always been strong premonitions for important moments in my life. I rely on her dreams more than any religion.
This one was a little off for me. It isn’t that I didn’t like it, but it didn’t resonate with me as I think was intended. I am very close with my mother, so I don’t think that is it. When it comes to animation I like bright colors and this short is all black, white, and gray. The style itself is also very blocky. All that being said, I did enjoy the story behind it.
If you attended Sundance 2021, which Animation Spotlight Short is your favorite?
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.