Shedding

First, full disclosure, I am a cat lover, so I guess I'm biased. I'm also a movie lover with a considerable number of films under my belt. This movie had me engaged from start to finish. I didn't know it was filmed on an iPhone until I saw other reviews and honestly, I couldn't tell. I mean I could tell it was low budget, but the videography was inspired at times.

At its heart, this is a movie about trauma, loss, grief and overcoming it. The fantasy aspect of a cat transforming to a human for a day just makes the message that much more special. I know it's a cliche, but sometimes cats (or other animals) come into our lives for a reason.

I've been a cat lover my entire life and honestly haven't felt truly "seen" by an animal movie before now. SHEDDING goes so much deeper than cute cat moments. It doesn't rely on it's gimmick or get corny. It is an authentic expression of what life would truly be like for a cat to become a human and the beautiful thing about it is that it ends up exploring the nuances of the human experience with depth and quiet absurdity. It's as if someone made an awards-season-movie for cat lovers. It's such a highly original film and it trusts its audience with an intentional and meditative pace. I cried watching it. I was so genuinely moved by this small indie production.

In a 2020 world, we're learning the importance of shedding some things. For the characters in this beautifully told fantasy, shedding goes far beyond skin-deep. On the surface, a cat mysteriously turns into a human for a day. But Shedding, the film, is so much more. As the cat explores the wonders of the outside world, we explore the power of just being present for someone. This would be a far less impactful film without the extraordinary talent of director and actors. It is a powerful story well told. Bravo to all. Even the actual cats are absolutely great. I completely believed that the lost cat had transformed into a person. My heart ached for the kind woman who clothed and fed him. I understood the frustration of her daughter, fearing for her mother's safety and sanity. Don't you love when a movie takes all of your expectations; then turns them around and delivers something so much deeper? My acid test for a great film is whether or not I'm still thinking about it hours, or even days, after I've watched it. Shedding is one of those films.

Shedding is a really engaging and artistically directed film. I'm not a "cat person" per se, but even I enjoyed the mysterious journey of a cat who wants to get outside - and has a unique adventure! Put it on when you need something heartwarming and whimsical.

Boring watch, really a reality of what would happen if a cat became human but with no funny moments or interesting takes on things, no explanation as to how a human could walk around naked in the street, had to turn it off when he got in a cardboard box in someone's driveway