Watch Something Left, Something Taken

Something Left, Something Taken is a 2010 animated short film written, directed and produced by Ru Kuwahata and Max Porter. The film tells the story of a young couple on a vacation in San Francisco who take a detour to a forested park, where they become the unwilling witnesses to a violent crime. The film opens with an animated map of the Bay Area with a whimsical voiceover informing viewers that a recent string of crimes has left some San Franciscans feeling paranoid. Enter the couple, an unnamed man and woman who have come for a vacation in the city. They have a lighthearted conversation about the history of Alcatraz as they drive through the Golden Gate Bridge on their way to their final destination.

Their trip takes a detour when they decide to visit a forested park for a picnic. As they set up their things, they notice a mysterious man with a large case lurking nearby. Despite their unease, they decide to ignore him and proceed with their picnic. As they eat, the man with the case approaches them, and a confrontation ensues.

The film then takes a dark and suspenseful turn as the couple inadvertently becomes the witness to a violent crime. They must decide whether to trust the authorities or handle the situation themselves, leading to an emotionally charged climax that leaves the audience pondering the consequences of making the right choice.

One of the most striking aspects of Something Left, Something Taken is the unique animation. The film was made entirely using stop-motion animation, with actors moving small 3D-printed puppets one frame at a time. The result is a stunningly tactile world that evokes the feeling of a handcrafted diorama come to life. The filmmakers also incorporated hand-drawn animation and Photoshop compositing to create a layered, textured visual landscape that gives the impression of a living, breathing world.

The sound design and music deserve a special mention as well. The music, which was created by Shay Lynch and Chris Burke, perfectly captures the mood and tone of the film, with haunting melodies and ominous chords building tension throughout the story. The sound effects are also incredibly well done, with every rustle of leaves and crunch of twigs adding to the palpable sense of dread in the air.

While the film's animation and sound design are impressive, its most significant achievement lies in the storytelling. The film tackles complex themes such as crime, trust, and the consequences of inaction in a concise and nuanced way. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, with each twist and turn leading to a satisfying conclusion that feels both heartbreaking and poignant.

At its core, Something Left, Something Taken is a meditation on the nature of fear and how it can shape the decisions we make. The film asks its viewers to consider whether they would do the right thing in a difficult situation, or if they would choose to look the other way. It's a question that has no easy answer, and one that the film leaves open-ended, sticking with its audience long after the credits roll.

Overall, Something Left, Something Taken is an excellent example of what can be achieved with a talented crew and a clear vision. It's a film that rewards multiple viewings, with every watch revealing new layers of detail and meaning. It's a must-see for anyone who loves animation, storytelling, or just great filmmaking in general.