Under the Thicket

Sometimes you just connect with something without being able to explain exactly why. This short animated film about a ghost's journey to their origins is one of those experiences for me. There's something inexplicably beautiful and haunting here-beyond the fact that it's a ghost story.

The film explores the tension between loneliness and friendship, bouncing back and forth between the two as the story progresses. The visuals range from strikingly unique to video game-like in style. The music fits the narrative perfectly, and some of the wide, cinematic shots give the film an emotional feel reminiscent of an animated Star Wars story.

I feel this concept would work even better as a longer version, allowing more to unfold on the journey and giving room for deeper character development and those tender moments of friendship that move the story forward.

Nice work!

A ghost in a caffee shop , with his cup. His walk in forest. A black cat as presumed guide after a precious gift. The music, the splendid autumn images, the discover of destination and meaning of yellow flowers in paper bag.

Not a story but seductive seed of a state of soul, mix of emotion and new perspective about people out of this life, beautiful drawings and inspired music and the wise game with sadness tones.

In short, an admirable work, fair remind of essential things, delicate scene by scene, poetic at whole and significant for a form of lost grace discovered again, useful in profound sense.

"Under the Thicket" is a short film by Caleb Worcester. I know nothing about Caleb, though I assume they are a young filmmaker who created this to show off their skills and, hopefully, find someone to hire them and give them work in the industry. I sure hope it works, as Caleb did a pretty amazing film considering it only cost $1000 to make according to IMDB. For $1000 I don't expect perfection...and it's unfair to expect this.

The story is minimal considering the film is less than five minutes in length. You see a ghost wandering about and eventually going to its own grave to pay its respects. However, despite this simple story and graphics which won't astound you, what DID astound me was the art direction and music. Caleb managed to get a great look and their choice of colors and style really paid off. As for the music...it's fitting and sets a lovely mood. Overall, an interesting film...one which makes me want to see more of their work in the future.

An attractive short film visually due to its animation and high level of detail in many of its scenes. With such little time, that emotional part is captured by what each image of the landscapes conveys and those meanings of life, peace, tranquility, and love for nature.

Caleb Worcester does an incredible job demonstrating his great potential for entertaining stories or productions. The director and screenwriter impresses with a more than notable performance, and he certainly looks promising for even greater improvement.

The animation of this short film is magnificent, the detail in the drawings, the color tones, the contrasts, the lighting, and every detail present in the scenes is satisfying. The premise in general covers very important themes that will make you reflect on the time of life, the importance of living, and death in general. This short film joins those focused on reflecting on death and its derivatives, all with the aim of prompting reflection in each viewer.

The soundtrack section is incredible. What accompanies it greatly enhances the experience and creates a connection with what is seen on screen. Yusi Liu's performance is simple yet captivating. The score of this short film is relaxing and emotional.

The entire focus on nature, death, and the journey of embarking on a life that rests in peace from a subjective point of view is interesting, in addition to adding that context about a peculiar cat in the adventure. It is reflected that before the deadline, positive actions can be taken that reflect kindness and love for living beings.

Among its negative points, one might mention small scenes where the fluidity of movement is lacking or simple designs. On the other hand, that way of adding more depth to its narrative argument, but still, it has its great merit and does not diminish its experience. It's worth giving it a chance.