“Homebird” is great because I explored multiple points of reference to appreciate it. It does a lot of heavy-lifting artistically with a common theme—acclimating to a new, big town on your own for the first time.

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The jittery animation style and the switch in the jaggedness of aspect ratios were exquisite. The subject’s portal jump back to her hometown reminded me of A-ha’s “Take Me On” music video.

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The limited color palette was effectual and purposeful. Using the navy and gradients of blue as the reference to the city, and the orangish-tans and golden hues to emphasize the hometown vibes were smart because during scenes in either setting, those two palettes were incorporated as points of reference. .

Even the outlines of the animations changed during scenes in each setting. In the city, everything was outlined in the navy color, but back at the hometown farm, black was used. Nothing black appears in the subject’s apartment until she began doodling on her notepad, then on her wall. When she transposed settings, she was outlined in the colors of that setting. It’s brilliant and distinct!

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I’m beginning to adore and appreciate animated films without dialogue more. This short’s score was palpable and emotion-inducing.

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There’s beauty in using an accessory as a narrative focal point. That last little bit during the conclusion when the elder wraps a scarf around the subject, and adjusts her posture—a moment the subject mimicked as she led herself to greatness back in the city—did me in.  🥺 🥺 🥺