Animal Behaviour

Animal Behaviour is an animated short film that was co-directed by Alison Snowden and David Fine. It premiered in 2018 and has since garnered a nomination for the Best Animated Short Film at the 91st Academy Awards.

This delightful yet thought-provoking short film is a production of the National Film Board of Canada, renowned for its contribution to the art of animation. Animal Behaviour is a Canadian gem that offers approximately 14 minutes of endearing humor and insightful commentary on human nature cleverly disguised as animal instincts.

The movie takes place in an unusual group therapy session where all the participants are animals grappling with their inherently wild and sometimes destructive natures. The setting is an inviting, homely atmosphere in which our charming group of misfits seeks to communicate, understand, and change their deep-seated behaviors which are incongruent with modern societal expectations.

The session is conducted by an empathetic and patient dog psychologist named Dr. Clement, who embodies a benevolent breed of canine dedicated to understanding and helping his fellow animal-kind. Against Dr. Clement’s patient and guardedly neutral responses, the array of animals in the session each present their distinctive set of weird and wonderful problems.

The main character ensemble includes a praying mantis struggling with her tendency to eat her partners, a pig grappling with his compulsive cleanliness, a leech with co-dependency issues, a bird grappling with guilt and an insecure cat with severe conflict-avoidance issues. Each interaction provides a mirror to our all-too-human foibles, and the humor lies in just how much we recognize of ourselves in these creatures.

Animal Behaviour's brilliant animation style embraces the unique characteristics of each animal, bringing them to life with anthropomorphic features but still maintaining the essence of the animals they represent. The seamless combination of naturalistic animal traits with human-style verbal communication and body language underlines the film's core approach to its subject matter.

While the film primarily offers a humorous take on these issues, it is not devoid of emotional depth. It resonantly captures the emotional struggles that many people undergo, providing an empathetic outlook on the trials and tribulations of the characters. The scenarios presented induce a blend of laughter and poignant recognition, reminding viewers that even in our most desperate moments, there is a certain universality to the human condition.

Over the course of the film, the comedy and drama are effectively infused with insightful commentary about the struggle between our instinctive drives and the societal conventions we are expected to align with. The film deftly unravels the absurdity and complexity of this conflict, leading its audience to ponder the compromises we make to fit into modern society's mould.

The arrival of an outrageously self-absorbed gorilla, unable to control his primal instincts and outright refusing to change his troublesome ways, serves as a catalyst that tests the resilience of the group’s commitment to change. This scenario presents a wider existential question about the very nature of change itself, positing whether it's genuinely possible or if it's simply an illusory idea that society imposes upon us.

The genius of Animal Behaviour lies in its ability to explore these complex concepts while maintaining a light-hearted and entertaining narrative. Its comedic elements ensure that it remains a delightful viewing experience, while its underlying message evokes contemplation and conversation long after the credits roll.

The movie's rich storyboard is furthermore bolstered by stellar voice performances, exceptional scriptwriting, and top-notch animation quality, all these aspects coming together to create an engaging and memorable cinematic experience.

In conclusion, Animal Behaviour is not just an animated short film about a group of animals seeking to change their instinctual behaviors. At its heart, it is a mirror held up to society, reflecting both our complex, often contradictory natures and our eternal struggle between societal expectations and our own inextinguishable instincts. The movie's timeless appeal and poignant message make it a must-watch, simultaneously provoking laughter, thought, and empathy among its viewers.