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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
2022 35 min United Kingdom, United States of America G 0+
★8.3
Animation, Family, Drama, Adventure
Director: Peter Baynton, Charlie Mackesy
Trailers
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Description
The unlikely friendship of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse traveling together in the boy's search for home.
Starring
Jude Coward Nicoll
Actor
Tom Hollander
Actor
Idris Elba
Actor
Awards
BAFTA 2023
— Best Animated Short Film
Academy Awards 2023
— Best Animated Short Film
Key opinion
This short film is widely regarded as a visually charming and emotionally resonant adaptation of Charlie Mackesy’s book, focusing on themes of kindness and vulnerability. However, while supporters praise its profound, meditative wisdom, detractors find the narrative overly simplistic and prone to ignoring logical realism in favor of platitudes.
| Production | The hand-drawn line animation successfully captures the aesthetic charm and delicate style of the original book illustrations. | |
| Acting | The voice acting, featuring notable performers like Idris Elba and Tom Hollander, is well-suited to the gentle and vulnerable nature of the characters. | |
| Theme | The film's focus on mindfulness and affirmations is perceived by some as deeply moving, while others dismiss the message as generic, repetitive self-help platitudes. | |
| Screenplay | The narrative's lack of traditional plot structure leads to a polarized experience: some viewers find it a contemplative, soulful journey, whereas others find it tedious and directionless. | |
| Originality | The abandonment of physical realism—such as characters remaining warm in sub-zero temperatures—is viewed by some as an intentional metaphorical choice, while others criticize it as distracting and illogical. |