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If Anything Happens I Love You (McCormack & Golvier) 2020
If you're here, I hope you have already watched the film.
I don't know what to say about this film. Watching this gem was the first time I had wept openly at a short film like this...probably ever. Maybe it hits me harder because I have school age children and I can put myself in the shoes of the parents in this film. Maybe it's because I have direct experience with the loss of a child (albeit in different circumstances than what is portrayed in this film). It's probably all of the above, but regardless of the reason, this film hit me so hard, it was hard not to fall in love with it.
I'm not going to give a summary of the film like I usually do, because words cannot do it justice. What I will highlight are a few things that stood out to me on a second viewing, knowing what was coming.
The visual style of the film is extremely simple, but I believe this is done intentionally to allow the focus to remain on the story and the emotions of that story. If the animation and visuals were too busy, I think it would detract from the impact significantly. On top of that, audio portion of the film is about as close to perfection as I can imagine. Where the visuals are sparse and simple, the music fills in the gaps and provides an emotional compass for the film. Couple that with the sound design that very subtly puts you in the world of the film, giving just enough for it to feel familiar, but not overdoing it.
The climax of the film is jarring, even though it's clear what is about to happen. The subject matter is one that no one likes dealing with, yet far too many people have been impacted by it recently. I'm sure there may be some people out there who claim this scenario is being used to sell a movie or treated callously, but I felt completely the opposite. The key moment of the film is just that, a moment. It comes and goes very quickly, and the focus of the film remains the impact of that event. The despair felt by the parents is not something that goes away quickly. It lingers long after and it's not something that can always be dealt with right away.
As in the film, it's sometimes easier to just close the door and forget what happened, because it's just too painful to remember. The important thing that the film highlights though, is that you are rarely alone in your grief. There are other people feeling the way you feel, thinking the same "what if" thoughts as you. They need comforting just as much as you, and sometimes if you are able to support each other, you can find the combined strength to stand together and push forward with life. It will never be the same, but things can continue after a loss.
If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, please reach out for help. Tell a friend or family member that you're struggling, because there's a good chance they may be as well. It won't be easy, but you'll be glad you talked about it, and expressed some of those emotions rather than keeping them bottled up inside.
Regardless of what happens, I love you.
10 out of 10
"If Anything Happens I Love You" is available to stream on Netflix. (but you already knew that because you already watched it...right?)
I don't know what to say about this film. Watching this gem was the first time I had wept openly at a short film like this...probably ever. Maybe it hits me harder because I have school age children and I can put myself in the shoes of the parents in this film. Maybe it's because I have direct experience with the loss of a child (albeit in different circumstances than what is portrayed in this film). It's probably all of the above, but regardless of the reason, this film hit me so hard, it was hard not to fall in love with it.
I'm not going to give a summary of the film like I usually do, because words cannot do it justice. What I will highlight are a few things that stood out to me on a second viewing, knowing what was coming.
The visual style of the film is extremely simple, but I believe this is done intentionally to allow the focus to remain on the story and the emotions of that story. If the animation and visuals were too busy, I think it would detract from the impact significantly. On top of that, audio portion of the film is about as close to perfection as I can imagine. Where the visuals are sparse and simple, the music fills in the gaps and provides an emotional compass for the film. Couple that with the sound design that very subtly puts you in the world of the film, giving just enough for it to feel familiar, but not overdoing it.
The climax of the film is jarring, even though it's clear what is about to happen. The subject matter is one that no one likes dealing with, yet far too many people have been impacted by it recently. I'm sure there may be some people out there who claim this scenario is being used to sell a movie or treated callously, but I felt completely the opposite. The key moment of the film is just that, a moment. It comes and goes very quickly, and the focus of the film remains the impact of that event. The despair felt by the parents is not something that goes away quickly. It lingers long after and it's not something that can always be dealt with right away.
As in the film, it's sometimes easier to just close the door and forget what happened, because it's just too painful to remember. The important thing that the film highlights though, is that you are rarely alone in your grief. There are other people feeling the way you feel, thinking the same "what if" thoughts as you. They need comforting just as much as you, and sometimes if you are able to support each other, you can find the combined strength to stand together and push forward with life. It will never be the same, but things can continue after a loss.
If you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, please reach out for help. Tell a friend or family member that you're struggling, because there's a good chance they may be as well. It won't be easy, but you'll be glad you talked about it, and expressed some of those emotions rather than keeping them bottled up inside.
Regardless of what happens, I love you.
10 out of 10
"If Anything Happens I Love You" is available to stream on Netflix. (but you already knew that because you already watched it...right?)
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