Best Friend (2018)

"Best Friend," a short film made by GOBELINS, takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster through a non-realistic friendship. At a length of around 5 minutes, this amazingly animated film manages to pack a powerful punch in a short amount of time, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of reflection, relief and trying to see if they relate to the film. Personally, I like the film because the film's strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of a virtual companionship between characters, Arthur and all the characters created in his head by the yellow button. Set against a backdrop that is both dystopian and vibrant, the animation style immediately draws the audience into their world, showing bright colours and all the sounds of a futuristic world. One of the standout elements of 'Best Friend' is its nuanced character development. Arthur, a seemingly ordinary lonely person who isn’t desperate (this later changes), and all the virtual characters, a crowd of supporting friends who are always there for him. The animators deserve praise for their attention to detail, particularly in conveying the body language and facial expressions. The film adeptly navigates moments of happiness but then also lots of sadness, tension and fear. The pacing of the short film is quite fast, ensuring that each scene can advance the narrative quickly and effectively. The sound design complements the story beautifully, enhancing the emotion of pivotal moments especially in this busy, futuristic world. 'Best Friend' doesn't shy away from addressing themes of loneliness, and the transformative power of friendship. It speaks to the universal human desire for connection, and how some people can get addicted easily. It also shows the dangers of addiction and how someone can get desperate and aggressive if they don’t get what they crave. If there's a minor critique to be made, it's that the film's brevity leaves viewers longing for more. A longer runtime could have potentially allowed for even greater exploration of the characters' backstories and interests, providing additional layers to an already dramatic narrative. In conclusion, 'Best Friend' is an amazing short film that packs an emotional insight into what could be in the near future. Its storytelling, coupled with great animation, make it a must see for audiences of ages 14+.