by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Welcome to The Short List! Each month, I treat you to a collection of short films. This month is a special all-Wes Anderson edition, as Netflix released four of his short films adapted from Roald Dahl stories. Hopefully this list will inspire you to check out some of these gems…
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Netflix)
This is the crown jewel of Wes Anderson’s new venture on Netflix. It is a story I read as a pre-teen in school, and it always stuck with me. When I started watching this film, Anderson was able to transport me right back to that time when I read Henry Sugar for the first time. Ralph Fiennes as Dahl as the framing device is pitch perfect. The contributions of Ben Kinglsey and Benedict Cumberbatch are so engaging as they tell their stories of concentration and growth. The impressive production design, and the ever-changing and evolving environment feels like a storybook world come to life. There is surprising resonance in a story about a filthy rich conman who soon finds a more deeply charitable reason for his actions once the inevitable of life hits him. This is one of the best Dahl adaptations you will find, and the impressive cast commits to every quirky and emotional moment.
The Swan (Netflix)
Are you a fan of Rupert Friend yet? His recent work in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Asteroid City has given him a lot more attention than he had previously. But his chops are challenged most by this narrator role that he soars with in The Swan. This is a tale of (relatable) bullying, and the unfortunate places that life can go. It is quite the children’s tale, as we narrowly escape trains, and witness the death of innocent wildlife and the unfortunate twist of faith that life can be. Friend delivers so impressively with his narration that pops on screen — it draws the audience in. There is mounting tension and quite the unexpected journey for our adolescent protagonist. The highlight of this film is the heightening tension around a train. Anderson’s impeccable storytelling is off the charts, as we feel the danger of a train coming without even having to show one for real.
The Rat Catcher (Netflix)
This one is a perfect fit for Halloween time. Fiennes is indeed The Rat Catcher, and we might not be okay after witnessing him in action. His performance is so particular in a way that it feels like it is otherworldly… or animalistic. The makeup work… the hair… the black eyes. The combination of his look, demeanor, and actions makes for a completely unnerving experience. There is impressive stop motion (which Anderson obviously relishes in creating for the screen), but there are unseen creatures that somehow capture the same emotion and feeling as seeing real animals going through horrible events. Richard Ayoade’s narration is perfect for Anderson and Dahl — hopefully he will lend his talents to future works. Friend is a nice addition as well… especially during the finale. Not since the fight with the rat in Fantastic Mr. Fox has Anderson gone full-blown terror like this climax. The Dutch angles, the darkness, the mood lighting, and the terrifying makeup join Fiennes and Friend makes for an impactful scary situation.
Poison (Netflix)
What a simple story this last short has. One man is stuck in bed due to a poisonous creature. Another tries to save his life. A third is there to complete the task. But something uglier and more venomous than any creature gets in the way. Now that is a simple yet poignant story. Poison does not deliver in the same flashy way as the other three stories. It also lacks some of the narrative depth, despite them all being short stories. But the work of Cumberbatch, who gives a physically robust performance, elevates this film with his sheer will and effort. But he is not at it alone, as Patel delivers with his narrator role, as well as Kingsley in a stern and assured turn as a doctor. The themes and climactic confrontation might be brief and fire off quickly, but the tension that Anderson creates through Dahl’s dialogue and storytelling is all we need from this brisk and unnerving experience.
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