Watch Torrey Pines

Torrey Pines is a 2016 animated feature film directed and animated by Clyde Petersen. The film is a coming-of-age story of a 12-year-old girl named Petersen and her relationship with her mentally-ill mother. The movie is an autobiographical retelling of Petersen's childhood and the tumultuous journey she went through to find her true identity.

The story begins in Seattle in the early 90s, where Petersen and her mother are struggling to get by. Petersen's mother is suffering from schizophrenic delusions, which leads her to believe that Petersen is a boy and that they need to take a road trip to California. Petersen, who is grappling with her own identity, agrees to go along with her mother's plan, and they set off on a journey that will change both of their lives forever.

The animation in Torrey Pines is unique and beautiful, with Petersen using a combination of stop-motion animation and colorful paper cut-outs to bring her story to life. The visual style of the movie is reminiscent of a scrapbook, with each image and scene crafted with care and attention to detail.

One of the strengths of Torrey Pines is the way in which it tackles complex themes such as mental illness, gender identity, and family dynamics. Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is imbued with a sense of humor and warmth that makes it both poignant and endlessly watchable.

The voice acting in Torrey Pines is also top-notch, with Webster Crowell providing the voice of Petersen and indie musician Kimya Dawson voicing her mother. The two actors share a natural chemistry that brings their characters to life in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt.

Throughout the movie, Petersen grapples with her own identity, as well as her mother's mental illness. She finds solace in music and fantastical stories, which she creates in her head as a way to escape the harsh realities of her life. Despite the challenges she faces, Petersen remains a resilient and compassionate protagonist, who is determined to find her place in the world.

As Petersen and her mother travel from one place to another, they encounter a variety of characters who help to shape their journey. These include a sympathetic hotel clerk, a flamboyant drag queen, and a group of skateboarders who Petersen befriends along the way. Each encounter brings new challenges and revelations, as Petersen slowly begins to understand the complexities of the world around her.

Overall, Torrey Pines is a touching and thought-provoking movie that explores some of the most difficult issues facing individuals and families today. Its unique animation style and heartfelt performances make it a standout movie that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Whether you're a fan of coming-of-age stories or simply appreciate well-crafted animated films, Torrey Pines is a must-see movie that you won't want to miss.

Torrey Pines is a 2016 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.