‘It's dark and rather ghoulish…but irresistibly charming!’

Little Beings is the dark tale of a young girl, who’s innermost,inquisitive nature drives her to misbehave and not do as she’s told. Her mischievious behaviour takes us on a journey of heart stopping and mysterious situations that no 8 year old girl should everhave to entail. Directed and written by Lily Potter, the 5 minute short is a film of the gothic and horror genre. Thisfilm is for brave children, rated PG, however this film is sodark and mysterious it can be enjoyied by audiences of allages. This action packed short sums up in 5 minutes why it is always important to do as you’re told.

‘Even though this short is only 5 minutes long it takes every minute seriously, and this is by far the most underrated classic gothic film.’

Little Beings, visually is very impressive, and considering that it was produced with a small crew and a very low-budget it's definitely a superb job. The stop-motion animation is very fluid and the cinematography and overall design works magnificently,especially accompanied and enhanced by the poemnarration as its very well-written and while simple, it'sinsanely powered through enigma and cleverly original. Narrated by Sean Mutagh whose voice is the perfect fit for the creepy poem that tells the story, it starts to remind me of watching a Tim Burton classic such as ‘Corpse Bride’ or ‘A Nightmare Before Christmas.’ Seans voice seems to be completely fit for the role, as his transition and ability to manipulate his voice and tone to the film exceeds and enhances major scenes, from mastering an everyday story teller voice, to a creepy, dark and dreery tone progessively within each chapter.The lighting too adds a very dramatic interpretation of the everyday world in the shoes of an 8 year old child (Aura),especially within the final scene of the film, by building up more tension through the fast and dramatic contrasting lighting techniques.which I found by using an animated choreography of light and stark graphics helped to disorient, capture and enchant new audiences.

www.screamhorrormag.com

-Fangoria

-Empire

Overall I would recommend and watch this short over and over again. It brings a smile to my face and makes me think ofbeing a young, and creepy, kid again,which would also give anostalgic feel to parents accompaning and yet also relating tochildren and teens as the target audience. Despite its dark scenes,this short is fantastic in teaching and educating children on the seriousness of reality and the dark consequences on what can happen if you don’t do as you’re told. 5/5.

Written by Marc Goldworth

With forboding consequences,we follow life in main protagonist Aura through her school day of fun packed science lessons with a crazy science teacher, and constrasting scenes, stranded on her own, regretting and questioning her own morals. The climax of the filmchallenges conventions that are found in everyday horror films by producing an ambiguous ending to the film, making you think from another character’s perspective, bringing a personal element to the film. Lily Potter, director of the film stated ‘There is no rightor wrong answer to the ending of the film, it is open for interpretation and all depends on what you think Aora would do and how the previous happenings in the filmswere affected.’ I feel that this concept brings a more personal touch to the short, as you are able to create your own ending, rather than a film with an ending youaccept, adding to the mystery and darkness that the film has. However, I find that the film is far too short! As like other animated horror films, the drama within the short engrosses you with realistic mystery and the dark scenes, and before you know it the credits are running. every aspect of this film, from the bright characters and narration draws the audience in fanstastically. Although, what I really admire about Lily is the ability to bring the film alive throughout the production design within the film, and her ability to give each character a personality and own sence of individuality by representing various children within the school atmosphere, and enhancing the surroundings within the props and amazing cinematography with noflaws.

Aura looking at a butterfly shes followed. pictured in chapter 3of Little Beings. An actual frame from within the Short.

Reviews this week

19 20

Little Beings…Will your morals save you?

This creepy picture is featured in the titles of upcoming film, and also similar photos used to advertise the big event.