Manivald

Manivald from 2017 is a thought-provoking animated short that expertly toys with the themes of self-discovery, adulthood, dependency, and sexual awakening. This charming film uses comedy and surrealism to introduce audiences to a world that is as quirky as it is profound.

The title character Manivald is a complex, lovable character who carries the narrative. He's a 33-year-old gay fox still living with his mother due to the circumstance of not finding suitable work after completing his theoretical physics degree. This is likely a reflection of the struggles facing many young academics around the world today. On the other hand, we have Manivald's mother, an eccentric, overbearing rabbit who revels in her son's dependence on her, which is simultaneously sweet and concerning, as it hints towards a larger issue of co-dependency.

The film begins like any other day in their small abode where Manivald, with his extensive education, focuses on intricate and brainy pursuits while also taking care of household chores. It's only when their washing machine breaks down that we see sparks of change for Manivald's relatively monotonous life.

Enter Toomas, a handsome wolf and washing machine repairman. His arrival introduces an element of romance into Manivald's life, stirring a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences. Toomas serves as the catalyst for Manivald to confront his emotional dependency on his mother and perhaps, for the first time, embrace his adulthood. Trevor Boris makes his character, Toomas, come alive with charisma and charm, further adding to the intrigue of the narrative.

The other characters in the film, such as Manivald's immature fox friends and the group of nefarious cats, all add extra dimensions to the story and keep the audience invested in the plot. The soundtrack by France Castel, a famous Canadian-French actress and singer, enhances the film’s offbeat feel combining with the colourful art direction to create a unique cinematic experience.

The artistry in Manivald is worth noting: the animation style is a tantalizing blend of minimalism and surrealism. The colour palette is vivid and eccentric, mirroring the characters’ vivacity and idiosyncrasies. The design is heavily stylized, giving it a distinct and highly memorable visual identity. The characters are given a lot of visual personality, with every small detail - from their clothing to their home decor - telling us something about their character.

Director and scriptwriter Chintis Lundgren use the narrative to voice her musings on varying issues through an unexpected yet delightful blend of dry comedy and poignant insights. Lundgren has expressed certain truths via exaggerated realities in the movie. The absurdity and humour are used as tools that disarm viewers, helping them grapple with the film's layered themes.

The humor is distinctive, veering towards the dry and absurd. You'll find yourself smiling, sometimes outright laughing, at the misadventures of Manivald and his peculiar circle of acquaintances. Yet, the humor is balanced with poignant moments, often brought about by Manivald’s interactions with his mother and Toomas, that underline the protagonists’ relatable struggles.

This film, produced by Adriatic Animation and National Film Board of Canada (NFB), is a unique blend of comedy, drama, and surrealism, that goes beyond just being an entertaining watch. The movie does an excellent job of questioning societal norms and expectations and the definition of adulthood.

In conclusion, Manivald is a film that strikes and encourages conversations about many topics: What does growing up mean? How does one deal with unfulfilled dreams? What role should parents play in the lives of their adult children? How do we navigate through the unchartered territories of sexual discovery? The brilliance of the film lies in its ability to present such complex topics in an outlandishly funny, yet deeply touching way. It’s definitely a must-watch for those seeking something different and thought-provoking from the standard animated fare.