Okay Pixar, what the hell? Seriously, what the hell?! How is it possible that every single film you produce makes me cry?? How do you do this?! I thought I was in for a cute film about animals when I hit play on this one, but yet again, I was socked in the gut with the feels. This film is also a masterpiece of storytelling, so all the kudos to Rosana Sullivan and the entire team behind Kitbull. But man, I’m still recovering from this one.
I suppose at this point it shouldn’t be a surprise that the artists at Pixar are good at endowing human emotions on all things non-human. They’ve already done it with toys, cars, monsters, rats, and all manner of sea creatures. But it’s not just that they’re good at this. They’re scarily good. Especially in their short films.
In a nutshell, Kitbull is about a friendship between a feisty stray kitten and an abused pit bull. Yes, you read that right. This Pixar short goes dark about halfway through in a way that made my heart seize up. It’s actually extraordinary just how much story there is in this eight minute film with no dialogue. Kitbull explores how difficult it can be to trust others when you’ve been on your own for so long. It looks at what can happen when you trust too easily. The courage it takes to overcome your fears and reach out to someone in need. And it celebrates the power of friendship, and how having someone, anyone, on your side can mean the difference between life and death.
I know, right? That’s a lot for an eight minute film about a cat and a dog. I should also note that Kitbull takes the time to gloriously revel in both the wonderfully spastic nature of cats, and the incredibly loyal and inherently loving nature of dogs. It is also beautifully animated in a wholly original style. Overall, this film is simply incredible. I just wish I could make it through one Pixar film without shedding a tear.
Suggestions for artists I should check out? Please contact me with your ideas. I hope you enjoyed your daily helping of art!
