WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
What EXACTLY does the future of this home planet we call Earth look like? Suffice it to say, there is more than enough diversity of information available out there that makes every attempt to become the voice of truth when this query arises. Fire, ice, earthquake, asteroid, or a LONG overdue restitution of dinosaurs?? Regardless of what means “the end” might be ushered in through, one reality is often barrenness, scorched ground, and desolate wasteland devoid of anything living…or at least nothing HUMAN. So, if we’re to blame, and hence for those creatures who come after, what chances are there to rectify our wrongs? Five hundred years ahead, this scenario is being played out as a Vulkeet named Dr. Alma (voiced by Misty Lee) races to discover the answer that can save the new denizens of a devastated Earth with the help of created beings known as Homeys (voiced by Alessandra Levy) plus eff0rts from scientist Hitch (John McBride), his boss Gormal (Phil Miler), and the Queen Bee (Clarissa Jacobson).
Next, my Mind:
So…..if you take one part stop-motion animation, one part impactful environmental statement, one part total eccentricity, one part uniquely creative imagination, one part musical, and creatures known as Vulkeets (that would be a cross between a vulture and a parakeet for the uninitiated) and Homeys (no, no, NOT the typical street term for your pals here) then choose to mix that all together with a healthy dose of indie filmmaking’s willingness to color outside the mainstream lines and this critic believes you WILL arrive at this new nineteen and a half minute short film effort from writer/director/producer/cinematographer/editor Catya Plate along with co-producer/editor Todd Aven, and associate producer Charo Roldan. It would not be an overstatement to proclaim that this inventive and whimsical endeavor carries with it a wholly incontrovertible, admittedly very pointed but not overtly preachy, message that reflects current state of affairs when it comes to the health of our beloved planet, the human-made damage we ARE doing FAR too much of to it, and the sometimes questionable aspects of what the future COULD hold if things aren’t curbed.
Set in a somewhat distant (is 500 years really THAT far away, after all, in relative terms?) time to come, the story that finds Earth populated by quite the quirky bunch of creatures (as well as some we would be familiar with) who’ve evolved from the ashes of what humans failed to prevent and are now attempting to reconcile their reality via science and a created group of beings they chose to muster from humanity’s remains, it is one unconventional viewpoint and narrative we see unfold that boldly rings so candidly true when it does come down to the assessment of how things became the way they are, the subsequent hardships which followed, and the even more difficult manner to correct it all…while just striving to SURVIVE day to day. Folks, no matter what your opinion might be about global warming and the other climate/ecological challenges of our times, there simply is NO denying certain truths that could LEAD to a serious, not-so-subtle downfall due to our own neglect and, dare I say, ongoing apathy about it all that COULD come back and bite us.
As I hinted at above, though, the aspect of this film that I personally appreciated was even IN the face of the primary thematic gist this film is aiming to get into our heads, it was still both entertaining WHILE being persuasive in such an unorthodox, innovative, and artistic way. It really holds an almost experimental cinematic quality to it that part of me has to believe mainstream audiences might NOT get or go for, necessarily. BUT, as I’ve also always held in mind for a while now, THAT in itself defines the very NATURE of independent film and those behind it….and that’s what I love it! Visually, especially in this day of SO much heavily CGI’d imagery, it felt completely refreshing to witness an effort totally founded on the stop-motion animation realm, which by modern standards seems outright archaic in its feel and look. BUT, that IS what MAKES it the wonder that it is and those who understand what it actually TAKES to create stop-motion films–it is a REAL labor of love and patience to my recollection, and this also is just plain admirable and commendable when viewing the final product. Awareness-raising AND offbeat FUN? Yes, please!
The film is wonderfully paced, moving along and utilizing every moment of its short runtime to capitalize on the message it’s desiring while also feeding off of thematic directions that cover the foundational will to live, the burdens and blessings of the scientific process, cloud-seeding, potential mass illness and its causes, the idea of UNITY in community (seriously, the rhyme there was unintentional!) problem solving, working hard, persevering, and possessing the drive to not only WANT to see things improve, but TAKING THE TIME and ACTION to DO it. Plus, the entire concept of “busy bees (and beavers!)” gets some witty and endearing treatment here as well. It’s such a joy to have both dramatic and comedic elements contained within the grander intents the film has, which speaks to the acute skills the filmmakers have in conveying socially and environmentally conscious content with a winsome flair.
Voiceover is king for animated projects and so the cast is of course present through their accompanying vocalizations here, beginning with Lee bringing one of our main do-gooders to beautifully dynamic life via Alma, an older Vulkeet doctor who’s called upon to resolve a serious illness among the Homeys which is stalling a greater process to bring a much needed resource to fruition and revitalization of the world they reside in. Holding onto the expertise she’s always been trusted to provide, Alma’s encounter with the unforeseen malady her patients are experiencing will push her knowledge to the limit, but could also yield revelation that will save them all. Plus…Alma drives a Vespa! I mean, what’s NOT to love here, folks? It’s a straightforward voice effort Lee gives, but there is such a wonderfully engaging quality to it that allows the viewer to adore Alma and what she stands for.
Levy pulls double, well really triple, well, no, quadruple…oh heck, more than just a few duties voice-wise here, providing sonorous vocal emanations that give heart and soul to the Homeys and a chorus of, yes you’re about to read this, singing bees! Hey, how can you dispute or turn away singing Apis Mellifera?? And believe me, you might think it sounds silly, but this group of worker insects are very much, ok, COULD NOT be helped, bees knees when it comes to hard toiling and highly talented drones, with Levy HAVING to have had such a blast doing the required voices! Jacobson is the Queen Bee, who has tirelessly lead her hive (which actually serves as the primary location for all research being done) forward and with purpose to be an integral factor in the solutions being sought after for the betterment of the world. Jacobson gives voice to this monarch with energy and passion, which is evident through the character’s interactions.
Miler lends his voice talents as Gormal, the “big boss” of the research group and a stalwart believer in ensuring that ALL the lives in their community are going to make it through the recent tough times they’re all facing due to the inhospitable climate. His persistence and positivity are honestly infectious, and how Miler provides this through his performance is an absolute treat and thoroughly merry. Finally, McBride rounds out the group as Hitch, head scientist on the journey and one who is initially stymied by the unanticipated illness that’s halted his efforts to create the means to end the world’s issues getting deeply valued reserves. As with the other voice performances, McBride endows Hitch will a credible, fantastically singular manner that so deftly befits a scientific mind while also showing he’s a Vulkeet with a genuine heart to help others and improve their society.
So, in total, “Las Nogas” ultimately stands as a fantastical flight of both playfully obscure fancy and unfettered, purposeful focus, a declaration of that which we as people can choose to listen to and ponder how to enact the changes that could aid us and our world for the better while simply sitting back and relishing the amazing, uncomplicated, and inspired arena that is indie film, representing a building cinematic storm that this critic hopes, like a key moment in this effort, we can find the means to shout to skies and profess–“let it rain!!”.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
