A Visual Odyssey in Animation

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MOVIE REVIEW
This Is a Story Without a Plan
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Genre: Animation, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 8m
Director(s): Cassie Shao
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Slamdance Film Festival, www.slamdance.com; for more information, visit www.karasucassie.com

RAVING REVIEW: Let me start by saying, please don’t walk into any form of media with preconceived ideas of what you think will or won’t be an experience for you. A little backstory: I’ve seen hundreds of short animated films; every year, I attempt to watch every Oscar-nominated film before the Oscars. This includes animated shorts as well and every year, there are at least a few shorts that aren’t for me; they just don’t seem to connect with me (that doesn’t mean they’re bad!) When I started this film, I immediately felt like it would be an “artsy” short without meaning (that name, after all!)

With all that being said, wow! THIS IS A STORY WITHOUT A PLAN is like opening the door to a new dimension of animation and should be included in contention for best short animation of the year! Directed by the visionary Cassie Shao, this short film isn't just a visual treat; it's a deep dive into a world of emotions and thoughts presented in a way that transcends the usual animated narratives. The unique blend of 2D and 3D animation techniques crafts a viewing experience that's both a feast for the eyes and a journey for the soul.

With roots in the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago and USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Cassie Shao shines through in her latest creation. This film, which earned its place in the limelight at the Slamdance Film Festival, is a display of Shao's mastery of animation and a testament to her storytelling prowess.

There is no better feeling in cinema than discovering something that connects with you on another level! The narrative of THIS IS A STORY WITHOUT A PLAN is a far cry from your traditional animated short. In just 8 minutes, it manages to tell the story of two characters caught in an unending cycle of life-changing events, artfully represented as a slow, relentless explosion. This illustrative approach provides a poignant look into the characters' turmoil and sense of helplessness, offering viewers a glimpse into their emotional landscape.

Shao's animation technique in this film left me speechless; I was 100% locked into the visual journey on screen. By blending traditional painted animation cels with the vibrancy of 3D graphics, she creates a visual experience that's genuinely multi-dimensional. This fusion deepens the narrative and makes the story more immersive, inviting the audience to experience every frame as a unique piece of art.

This journey delves into the unpredictability of life and the human response to uncontrollable circumstances. This philosophical exploration is not just thought-provoking; it resonates with its audience, elevating the film from a simple visual journey to a reflective and meaningful experience.

Shao's skill in harmonizing various animation styles into a cohesive narrative is a testament to her innovation and mastery of the medium, balancing the surreal with the relatable. Combining classical and modern animation techniques, the aesthetic forms a dialogue between different animation styles.

THIS IS A STORY WITHOUT A PLAN is a brilliant display of Shao's exceptional talents as an animator and storyteller—her innovative and profound thematic exploration places this film in a league of its own within the animation genre. So again, I repeat, never think you know what will connect with you until you give it a chance!

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