WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
An evaluation of a life. As we find ourselves moving through the relentless taskmaster that is time, how often do we subsequently find that we’re choosing to determine precisely what our life has contained, the legacy we might leave behind, and then holding onto hope that what manifests meets with our approval and satisfaction? Will it be an existence well-lived? Will it be one filled with more regret than cherished memory and accomplishment? Or, might it turn out to be ALL of these? For Coy (voiced by Tim Blake Nelson), an older man on the cusp of having to acknowledge what small amount of time’s span he might have remaining, takes on a journey of recollection that will come about through a rather eccentric yet wholly enlightening path and means which will cause him to ponder the aforementioned facets of his reality past and present in a far more meaningful, and revealing, way.
Next, my Mind:
The beauty of humanity, the treasures we maintain within through memories, an appreciation of all that’s around us, the weight of choices made, mistakes we wish never happened, the consequence of them, and the foundational wonder of it all as confronted via eyes, nose, ears, mouth, and hands converge to form the cornerstone thematic foray we’re provided when viewing this 13-minute Oscar-nominated animated short film from directors Jared Hess and Jerusha Hess, writers Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer, producers Tori Baker and Miles David Romney, plus executive producers Kelly Loosli, Robin M. Woods, Justin Lacob, and Bryn Mooser. What first blew this critic’s mind was when it struck me WHY the co-director’s names seemed so familiar until TWO WORDS summed it up for me–“Napoleon Dynamite“! Having come quite a ways since that incredibly fun, quirky and highly successful indie hit, it’s fantastic to see the duo shine again through a totally different film format and narrative tone.
Substituting the unconventional and offbeat humor of the aforementioned film above, the pair deliver a story focused on a old man facing inevitability regaling us with the tale of his days through the magic of our own five primary senses, this is such a cleverly concocted, well-directed, intelligently written, artistically astute exploration of WHO we are as people told conveyed with a stylistic approach that is just as much fantastical and stirringly heartening as it is a deeply contemplative, cautionary tale to ponder after the credits roll. Honestly, this is a blatantly polar opposite atmosphere created compared to “Dynamite”, and that is what’s so excellent in itself, as for me it shows an expanding of creative palette and frankly a growing maturity in the desire to present something so affecting, relatable (a favorite word of mine when it comes to indie projects), and evocative.
What then allows us to relish the narrative more is how the fluidity of pacing still manages to keep each individual sense we’re shown AS it’s OWN distinct element, almost like a “Parts 1-5” execution, but never sacrifices said flow to actually break it up as such. Rather, it’s one extended main “chapter” if you will with these separate aspects attached within it, which also permits a perfect amount of detailed and beautifully reflective analysis of HOW each sense impacted our character’s life, whether for the good OR ill. Each highlights a kaleidoscope of components that elicit the mind’s imagery to take over as each one is given just due, from the magnificent to the inane, the joyous to the hurtful, and the actuality to what might have been. By the time we realize exactly what situation this man is in, it hits with tangible force, putting all we’ve seen into emotionally-charged perspective, engendering a reaction within you that cements the film’s intentions with conclusive resolve and truth.
Mind you, I am being purposefully vague in being more detailed as to the intricate pieces of each sense’s portion as it is SO much better when you have the opportunity to watch the film and be more surprised and moved by it. The animation is a character on its own, done not through CGI (that I am aware) but rather hand-drawn and colored by a host of amazing artists that bring the narrative to vibrant and stimulating life, with a “crew” for each sense portrayed. These talented creatives are Gabriela Badillo, Adriana Arvizu, Tamara Cruz, Melissa Lopez, Cristina Lugo, Ruben Morales, Enrique Sanudo, Julia Berrio, Daniel Bruson, Michael Grover, Dominica Harrison, Jared Mathews, Scott McHenry, Dallin Penman, and KC Tobey. Seriously, to you all, a HEARTY “BRAVO!!” as the uncomplicated yet utterly superb visuals provided through your efforts really do enhance the story adeptly. Likewise, the music score employed here, courtesy of John Hancock suits the shifting moods being displayed throughout the film as well with quietly emotive strength.
This is a film with a cast of one, and what a “one” to have at your disposal than arguably one OF the most successful and awesomely diverse character actors on the planet (for my money, anyway!) in the form of Nelson, who lends his equally dynamic vocalizations to the character of Coy, a man of advanced age who now sees that time may not necessarily be his friend anymore, hence causing him to start looking back on a life filled with both unfiltered amazement and provocative woes that have made him who he is but have also placed him in the circumstances at hand. As Coy travels through his recollections as “seen” through the five senses we experience each and every day, the revelation of all that this world has to offer as well as the potential perils we might encounter come to the forefront, forming the complete portrait of being a, well, HUMAN being.
I love Nelson’s ability, even by just utilizing his voice, to simply draw you in and engage your attention from start to finish, aiding in building the narrative up to the point of its powerful finale, ushering you into this journey to the extent of ensuring you’re going to remember it. As hinted above, it’s a form of acting that isn’t easy to genuinely accomplish when ALL that the actor is MUST come through that voice so that the character we’re witnessing IS one worth investing in. Nelson accomplishes that in spades here. It’s real. It’s grounded. It’s BELIEVABLE. And so, in total, “Ninety-Five Senses” is another film that’s earned it’s spot for consideration (among MANY others this season who also deserved it, but DIDN’T make it), an existential offering both light-hearted and heavy, frolicsome and formidable, a statement of what we are, what we COULD have been, and perhaps therefore a reminder of HOW we need to be aware of being careful to use the time we’re given as smartly, selflessly, and sense-ibly as possible.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
