If Anything Happens I Love You (2020) Short Movie Review

 

If Anything Happens I Love You | 2020 | 13m
Genre: Adult Animation/ Hand-Drawn Animation/ Psychological Drama/ Tragedy/ Animation/ Drama/ Short | Country: US
Director: Michael Govier, Will McCormack | Writers: Will McCormack, Michael Govier
IMDB: 7.8
My Rate: 10/10

A husband and wife grappling with thoughts and feelings over the loss of their child in a tragedy that was never anticipated. Until they can find peace within it.

Warning:

Depiction of shooting

 
Synopsis:

A husband and wife are seen not doing well. Tension occurs between them, even their shadows depict the emotional turmoil felt by both. Contradictions are seen in every scene.

A shirt and song revive the memories they harbor about their deceased daughter. They sit together on their child's bed and allow themselves to sink into it. Until memories of the tragedy that destroyed everything surface.

Will they be able to come to terms with all the feelings that exist?

 

Review:

If Anything Happens I Love You is a short film that marks the debut of Will McCormack and Michael Govier as directors. Although this is their debut, the resulting film is truly stunning and touching. A perfect blend of story narration and visuals. So it is no wonder that this film won an Oscar award for Best Animated Short Film in 2021.

The main topic in this film is about shooting cases that we often see in schools, especially in this film, America. The story is presented from the point of view of parents who feel the loss over the incident. This film manages to represent the story idea very well. With a forward and backward storyline, but systematic so that it is easy to understand.

The background of the story is built very well. Opened by showing the tension between the two main characters. Until the interaction between them that opens the box of memories they keep together.

Conflict begins to emerge slowly with symbols that show that the tragedy will occur. Until it makes the tension between them reappear. The conflict that arises is more of an internal conflict within each character who has not been able to release the incident from memory.

The resolution shows how the two main characters can finally accept the sadness they feel. The character development is very visible. The atmosphere and tension begin to subside. Plus with scenes and symbols that support.

This animation can be said to be quite simple. It only uses a white background and the main characters use black. Other colors appear for important objects or important backgrounds that become highlights in the story. For example, their child's clothes, paint on the wall, balloons, and some others, but they are not too dominant.

Rather than presenting each scene as a complete picture, the transitions are made in such a way as to make the story flow and connect with each other. The movement also appears to flow so that the audience can feel the flow presented. For example, the movement of the ball that eventually hits a musical instrument, the paint that turns into a balloon, and other scenes.

The selection of music and sound effects is done very well. Because as a film without dialogue, music and sound effects are the main things to build the atmosphere and convey the message to the audience. Adjusting the volume of sound in each scene really manages to build the right atmosphere. Everything becomes a harmonization that is really well thought out

Another very stunning thing is the existence of shadow figures from them which symbolize the feelings hidden within them. Their presence is really important in conveying the story. The audience can understand the feelings and turmoil in the hearts of each character very well

Although the story is presented with a simple appearance, it has a very deep meaning and message. This film is one of the short films that managed to make tears flow while watching it. Many scenes are touching, and these feelings are well conveyed to the audience.

Overall, this is a must-watch film, especially for filmmakers who like psychological drama. Love it and perfect.

 

Memorable scene:

The two shadows of the parents try to prevent their child from going into the school because they know what will happen next. The scene shows how they try hard even though they cannot change anything. Until we can understand how much regret and pain they get from the incident.

 

Ending:

Happy but also sad

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch. 100% you must watch it.

 

(Aluna)