When I sat in the cinema watching the first chapter, frankly, I was not very much impressed. I was curious to see the film, as it was done by my fellow countryman, but being unfamiliar with any other works of Gints Zibalodis, the animation style looked like of an old videogame and the beginning seemed way too slow and boring... BUT! As the story was progressing, I became more and more invested in it.
This animation film is about a boy, who finds himself alone on a dreamy island, pursued by a surreal monster consuming every living creature on his way. The boy tries to run away from the monster and find his way back home.
To begin with, viewers need to acknowledge that the plot is something of secondary importance in this film - like in Virginia Woolf's novels, it is simple, abstract and unconventionally conventional. Even though there is a good amount of action, high-tension and even heartbreaking scenes, Away is more like a meditation on life and loneliness without any complicated plot twists. By the end of the film, many questions are left unanswered, such as why the monster couldn't get the boy in the oasis etc. However, it is that kind of metaphorical story that makes you step away from hectic reality and reflect on what you have just seen on the screen.
I have mentioned before that the animation did not impress me right from the start. Zibalodis used an old-fashioned, 2D technique, which may be off-putting at first, but, still, the film has absolutely marvellous scenery. The landscapes were captivating and reminded me of Japanese anime. Even the lack of graphic details on the characters does not prevent you from caring for them. The score was captivating and created just the right atmosphere - the music said all that needed to be said, even without dialogues.
Overall, the film turned out to be a real hidden gem. It is beautiful, inspiring and unique. Zibalodis did a brilliant job and, shockingly, all by himself. Definitely worth watching!
