‘Through the Storm’ is an Amazing Animated Short Horror Film (Review)

If you’re looking for a genuinely beautiful and deeply haunting animated film, you’re looking for the award-winning short, Through the Storm. It’s rich in emotion, and the animation itself is absolutely gorgeous. There’s a fine uniqueness in the look of the characters, and the script itself is multi-layered, designed not just to creep you out, but also to reach inside and tug at your heartstrings. It works.

Fred Burdy writes and directs the story of a lonely lover who yearns to be with her deceased man. She stands on the brink of death as waves crash around her in an eye popping introductory sequence. When she’s approached by a banshee she requests more time with her husband, and she gets what she wants, but it does indeed come with a hefty price tag.

This is one of the more aesthetically pleasing animated films out there. In fact, I’d go so far as to say this is one of the most visually stimulated animated features I’ve ever seen. Since I’ve got a tendency to veg out on animated works, and have probably seen somewhere in the ballpark of 250 different animated works, that’s a tremendous statement.

The visuals are, in large part, a reason that this film snagged a number of festival awards, including an impressive win at the California International Shorts Festival. But looking good isn’t all there is to this pic. A combination of strong writing, refined animation and swift pacing make the picture very special. Through the Storm is one of those treasures that exceed expectations. If you’ve heard favorable rumors, bank on this one being even better word of mouth might indicate.

Rating: 5/5

Watch the flick below: