NatUrNormalGirl’s review published on Letterboxd:
“Death’s proximity makes life burn all the brighter.”
Baby possums in their Shakespearean tragedy era. The fault, dear possums, is not in our stars but in ourselves.
What a terrible day to forget to pack my tissues because I was a sniffling mess during this film. It’s been a hot minute since I had a good theater cry, so I’m happy to report we remedied that situation. I was really starting to think I had become more emotionally stable which simply will not work for my personality. Glad the world is healing again!
This movie is just simply gorgeous. The colors leap effortlessly from each frame, creating some of the most vibrant and visually stunning scenes I’ve seen in a while. Hard to even describe the animation style—paintbrush, watercolor, cool beans?, but it looks magnificent. Maybe it’s the big screen or maybe it’s my yearning for something bright and beautiful (I’m just a girl 💅🏼), but I was so enthralled by this.
Despite being a somewhat familiar story, there’s such a strong heartbeat to this that I didn’t mind at all. Even in its seemingly basic premise, there was enough here to draw me in and stay engaged. I was also truly shocked at how the story leaned so fully into the realities of the wild. Really wasn’t expecting them to go there, but I think the more serious tone worked wonders as we flew (pun intended) into the 3rd act. Then again, I feel like I was in my infuriatingly idealistic bag while watching this despite my cynical bitch ass also coming out to play sometimes. Guess animation brings out the best in me!
More than anything, I think the themes themselves were right up my alley: found family, overcoming hardships despite setbacks and uncertainty, creating a community based on compassion and coexistence, lots of cozy snuggles while watching the snow fall from inside the warm house (okay, maybe that last one is just me). Add to that the overwhelming need to call my mom and tell her how much I love her, and you’ve got a recipe for a great movie…and a good cry…or three.
The score was also INCREDIBLE!!! Powerful and propulsive. I also could not handle the dark humor and existential dread interwoven here. Just about the last thing I was expecting but truly one of the best surprises. Found myself cackling several times at this out of sheer surprise!!
Overall, just an incredibly special movie for me. Hard to say if it’s just the movie or also the timing of my watch, but I loved this. Getting to see it in theaters was truly special.
P. S. Fink, I, too, eat 2000 pounds of seafood when given the opportunity. Love you for that.
P. P. S. Teetering strongly between a 4.5 and 5, but I am feeling generous on this midnight movie log. The more I see my star ratings, the more I realize I’m such a mood watcher. Red flag behavior in the land of Boxd, but frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn. If you made it this far, thank you for being here! Hope you’re doing well. Okay, bye. :)
