Bill (Julian Barratt) is full of shit–and his inflated ego has caused problems in his marriage. Now on a camping trip with his wife Deb (Julia Davis) and son George (Louis Vacula-Ashton), he must find ways to overcome his ineptitudes, curb his ego trip, and rectify the issues that exist within his family. Out in The Clearing the family has found in the middle of the woods Bill’s life will either be turned around or completely fall apart.
In this animated short film the fears that I assume belong to every parent come to life. A father struggles to appeal to his son, struggles to find balance in his life, and struggles to understand whether or not the things he does are enough. This sentiment is harrowing. I’m not a parent, but I understand the idea of not feeling good enough, like nothing I do will be well received, and that’s a tragedy. The Clearing uses dialogue and animation to bring this sentiment to life, and I believe that it successfully reaches viewers every step of the way.
For the most part The Clearing is a straight-forward short film about the emotional struggles that people face in their daily lives. However, what initially seems to be fairly normal shifts into something almost disgusting. Viewers see fish with legs and people having sex with animals. You might almost believe that I’m making this up, that there’s no way that this animated film about family turns into something so raunchy–but it does. In those moments, however, Writer-Director Daniel Robert Hope pulls viewers further into the human mind, forcing them to look at themselves and analyze every little thing we do throughout the course of our daily lives.
The animation is simply brilliant, never missing a beat along the way. But what stands out to me the most is the lighting. Much of The Clearing relies heavily on the things that viewers don’t fully see–and the lighting is used to make sure that viewers understand a lot of things that are taking place off screen. It’s such a simple concept ensuring that the lighting helps to tell the story and propel it forward–but actually accomplishing it with great vigor is something else entirely. This team accomplishes flawless lighting that helps to bring The Clearing to life every step of the way.
The Clearing is honestly a really strange film, but at its core it possesses a series of important sentiments and ideas that resonate with viewers everywhere. With some really screwed up sequences, and some themes that might just make your skin crawl, The Clearing is a film that may cause some viewers to turn up their noses–but it’s important to understand the sentiment and the meaning behind each and every decision that Hope makes throughout. I’m really impressed with The Clearing, even in its moments of insanity.
Written & Directed by Daniel Robert Hope.
Starring Julian Barratt, Julia Davis, Louis Vacula-Ashton, & Charlotte Morgan.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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