by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to The Short List! Each month, I treat you to a collection of short films. Hopefully this list will inspire you to check out some of these gems…
The Spider Within: A Spider-Verse Story (YouTube)
Who expected to get a new short film from Sony that takes place in the Spider-Verse? I know I didn’t! This is a move out of Pixar and Disney’s playbook, as the short film that captures an emotionally impactful moment in the life of Miles Morales. The Spider Within focuses on the (shockingly) scary panic attack that shakes Miles to the core. We get a bit of interaction between Miles and his father, but this seven-minute short is really about an internal struggle come to life, and an unnerving and haunting specter of Miles’ silhouette transforming into a giant, nightmarish spider. The Spider Within is a great short that leverages the unique animation styles of the Spider-Verse movies to create a visceral atmosphere. But it is the emotional struggle of Miles confronting his greatest vulnerabilities that makes this a poignant and affecting experience.
Miniwood (Vimeo)
Is Miniwood more than just a fun time for movie fans? Probably not. But luckily, I am one, and Miniwood is a fun and impressive technical achievement! At just about two minutes, this fun stop-motion animated film takes audiences into the world of film with some of the most iconic moments in movies. Except they do not play out how you remembered. This humorous take on iconic movie scenes is certainly gimmicky, but that doesn’t mean it is not a fun time. The Bride wielding a minigun and the T-Rex from Jurassic Park playing catch are certainly worth seeing. But this short flick has some impressive stop-motion work, too, so on a technical level, it brings plenty to the table.
Alberto and the Beast (Vimeo)
Are you in the mood for more Sasquatch content after the release of Sasquatch Sunset? If you are, there’s Alberto and the Beast. This little film is a wonderful journey into nature and the wild for our titular Alberto. His time working for a kids show takes a turn when he meets an empathetic, large, and hairy new friend: a Sasquatch. Their connection on screen might not be long, but this Sasquatch helps poor Alberto find a new lease on life, and new vigor. This short also helps us realize why it is important to appreciate nature and not parade it around for pictures and publicity. There are some good laughs and some quirky moments, but overall, this is a sincere film.
Prada: The Galleria (YouTube)
Do you love Scarlett Johansson? Would you want to just look at her face as she acts for 90 seconds? Well Prada and Jonathan Glazer have something ready for you! Prada: The Galleria is a brisk little film that was created to sell the new Prada Galleria bag. Glazer delivers some sharp and beautiful black-and-white footage with a dash of classic feel in its final moments. Johansson is dressed to kill as she drives away after showing off her acting talents. But that is the gem of this short film. Johansson kills it with an incredible range of emotion, as she runs lines in incredibly intimate fashion.
Snif & Snuf (YouTube)
Who doesn’t love a fun pair of animated pals up to shenanigans? Snif & Snuf finds two pals who navigate the discovery of mysterious shapes. Both of our titular characters have plenty of personality as they deal with these newfound shapes in their own unique ways. Either way, there is lots of silly and fun slapstick that is a great ode to old school animation. This is not an elaborate narrative or story, but it does keep it simple. For just about five minutes, this hand-drawn animated short delivers fun that the whole family can enjoy. Pals, humor, and shenanigans… what else could you want out of a little flick like this?