Sleepless Beauty

Film: Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty
Director: Nicky Phelan
Written and Performed by Kathleen O’Rourke
Rating: 4/5



Hailing all the way from Ireland, Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty is a 6 minutes animated film. The plot revolves around a deranged grandmother telling her already traumatized grandchild a bedtime story. Living up to its title, Granny O’Grimm managed to tell her version of the Sleeping Beauty, twisting the supposed fairy tale into dark-overemotional proportions. Taking its viewers for a ride, the character managed to shed a fascinatingly realistic light into the classic tale with a mixture of dark humor. The animation did not only succeed in focusing the world’s attention to Kathleen O’Rourke, it also managed to land a nomination for the Best Animated Short Film in this year’s Oscars.

The Good
Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty used a creative blend of 2D and 3D animation to make sure its audience eyes were glued to the screen throughout the film. Apart from that, the creative team skillfully used a wide palate of colors enabling the viewers to follow the feel of the plot with ease. Granny O’Grimm herself manages to steal many hearts as being one of the best emotionally loaded character to appear on animation in a while.

The Bad
The weakest aspect of this short film would most probably be its plot. Despite the great use of characters and animation, the plot leaves a short trail of question marks at the end. Many felt as if there was no firm ground on where the story stands and did not appreciate the mysteries that both director and writer tried to instill into their audience.

Verdict
Overall, Granny O’Grimm’s Sleeping Beauty holds a never before seen Irish potential in the short animated film arena and is a must-watch. Even though it did not win the Oscars, it still managed to win the hearts of many. Al though first timers should keep their expectation on a thoroughly explained plot low, the characters and animation are still strong enough to sweep you off your chairs.


Farah Ashraff.