Animator

Animator is a deeply thought-provoking film from 2018 which explores life, death, timelines, and the power of art to tell stories that traverse these existential planes. It is a film set against the background of Chicago's arts scene and the multicultural life there. This film stands out not merely for its sizzling emotive story but also for its exploration into themes of art, human relationships, and the metaphysical world.

Animator follows the story of an artist struggling to make ends meet in the bustling city of Chicago. The central character is Neal, a talented yet unsuccessful graphic artist, played perfectly by Levenix Riddle. Neal, with his unique ability to draw what he calls "life," finds himself in a complex and curtailing situation where reality and fantasy whirl, twist, and blur the lines. Riddle’s performance is balanced and poignant, offering a depth to the character who isn’t typical by any standard - instead, he's surreal, reflective, and endearing.

McKenzie Chinn plays the role of Camille, a woman from a wealthy family. She is a strong and independent woman who forms an unexpected connection with Neal after an incidental meeting. At first glance, they are two people from entirely different worlds, but they find a magnetic attraction from the shared curiosity towards Neal's peculiar artistic abilities. As their relationship evolves, they learn about value, love, life, and sacrifice, forming the emotional core of the film.

Geno Walker gives a memorable performance as Mack, a character who helps the protagonist and adds depth to the external plot but who also serves to amplify the internal turmoil of Neal’s character. Walker skillfully adds the human-face to the philosophical side of the movie, tingling with charm and wit.

The film is a visual treat, with art and animations beautifully woven into the narrative. The uses of animation to depict Neal’s talents take the audience on a journey. From the start of the film, the audience is taken into a transcendental journey where the animated sequences are coalesced with live-action shots, showing the grandeur of life as perceived by Neal. This experimental portrayal of mixing reality and fiction gives this movie a distinct visual appeal and a mystical aura, providing a pleasurable watch to those who appreciate the unusual fusion of traditional filmmaking with illustrative storytelling.

Animator delves into the timeless question of what happens after death and offers a courageous answer in the magical realm of art and creativity. The film uses its animated segments to explore timelines and personal destinies in a manner that is both hypnotically abstract and unexpectedly personal. It is a rare cinematic piece that navigates both real-life interpersonal relationships and immaterial world concepts.

The film also makes a unique commentary on the socioeconomic structures and power dynamics of society, showcasing how personal and professional life can be influenced by one's social status. However, it never weighs down the audience with these themes. It rather intertwines these ideas naturally into its story flow, making their revelations a part of the narrative progression.

The film's dialogue, writing, and direction are superb and will keep audiences hooked, wanting to know more about the unique world created by the film. It sticks with you after the film ends, leaving room for pondering and reflection. It notches into the viewers’ minds, enabling them to question and explore the themes long after the credits roll, which is the beauty and power of this mesmerizing film.

In conclusion, 2018's Animator is a beautiful exploration of life, love, death and art that has been brought to life by talented actors and a creative story, complemented by spellbinding art and animation. It is especially worth watching for audiences that appreciate enigmatic, artistic, and philosophical themes. It's one of those go-to films that convinces us that there is more than a one-dimensional view of life and that art can captivate our perspectives in the most splendid and unexpected ways.