First off, I’m not entirely sure if this is an animated short film or a stop-motion short film. Or maybe stop-motion is a type of animation and this is all a moot point? I have no idea, but regardless, the visuals in Good Intentions are unlike anything I’ve ever seen before and I love it.
Second, I can’t remember the last time I saw a film where I consistently had no idea where it was going. Good Intentions starts with a bang (literally), and for the next eight minutes, I was on the edge of my seat wondering where all this was headed. What was real and what was in the main character’s head. What it all meant. I also can’t remember a film where I oscillated so much between feeling empathy or frustration with a character. The woman at the heart of this film does not make good decisions, but she also pays a price for them, and it was fascinating how the story played with my feelings towards her throughout.
All in all, writer/director Anna Mantzaris has crafted a stellar story and incredible visuals. I can’t wait to check out more of her work.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!