Every now and then an animated short comes along that completely upends your expectations. FOREVER it’s one of those. What begins as a peaceful day in a sunlit backyard turns into an epic, action-packed showdown that proves that even garden gnomes can wage war if pushed too far.
Created by a team of directors composed of Theo Djekou, Pietro Ferrari, Cirina Jouini, Paolina FilippopartAND Anissa Terrier From the French École Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs, this short film combines humour, tension and technical brilliance to tell a funny and unexpectedly intense story.
As the filmmakers describe it, “This turbulent animated short transforms a seemingly outlandish subject – the quiet lives of garden gnomes – into a surprisingly suspenseful battle over life and dominion, told with thriller tension, robust humor and extraordinary energy.”
The story opens in a postcard-perfect courtyard, where colorfully painted gnomes stand proud among blooming flowers and manicured grass. Everything seems calm and happy until a wayward golf ball suddenly flies over the fence, smashing one of the gnomes to pieces.
The chaos increases when more golf balls rain down, breaking and shattering the garden’s peaceful residents. In a matter of moments, serenity gives way to all-out war as the gnomes band together to defend their home from an unseen and unstoppable enemy.
According to the description, “The narrative begins in a cheerful and peaceful backyard garden, where brightly painted gnomes stand proudly among flowers and cut grass in whimsical poses and scenarios. Bathed in sunlight and silence, their existence is static but contented.
“But their peaceful existence is interrupted when a golf ball clears a fence and falls among them, irreparably damaging one of them. Soon more balls arrive, breaking statues, scattering fragments, shattering the calm, and the gnomes must band together to fight their invisible, nebulous but powerful adversary.”
Visually, “the film is bright, fast and captivating, full of vivid colors, shimmering textures, eccentric flourishes and mercurial movements and gestures.
“Told without dialogue, the dramatic score and sharp sound design expertly build and intensify the escalating assault on the gnomes, capturing an escalating cacophony of thuds, whistles, pops and shatters. Combined with the fast pace of the story, it all gives the short a pace similar to that of a manic comedy.”
When the conflict reaches breaking point, the film reaches a great climax. “When the battle turns into all-out war, FOREVER generates an almost operatic climax, full of danger and emotion.
“It echoes the shock and awe of today’s action films, even as it’s made almost satirical by the way it’s carried out by a group of enterprising lawn ornaments.
“With bravura and infectious humor, it is also a technically accomplished short film, observing not only the heroic efforts of a group of fragile protagonists against a monolith, but the ferocity of a battle against change itself. Never underestimate how fiercely some will fight to maintain the status quo.”
FOREVER captures a fantastic blend of comedy, chaos and craftsmanship. It’s a visual spectacle that transforms ordinary lawn ornaments into unlikely heroes.
Enjoy the short!
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
