This short film titled "Little Beings" tells the dark and mysterious story of a young girl named Aura whose inquisitive nature leads her into troubling situations. Directed by Lily Potter, the 5-minute stop-motion animation uses poetic narration and creepy lighting and sound design to draw viewers in. While dark in theme and meant for older audiences, it also aims to teach children the importance of obedience. Reviews praise the film's impressive technical qualities and ability to engage and unnerve audiences in just a few minutes, though some wish it was longer to further explore its mysterious world.

1. ‘It's dark and rather ghoulish…but irresistibly charming!’
Little Beings is the dark tale of a young girl,
who’s innermost,inquisitive nature drives her to
misbehave and not do as she’s told. Her mischievious
behaviour takes us on a journey of heart stopping and
mysterious situations that no 8 year old girl should ever
have to entail. Directed and written by Lily Potter, the 5
minute short is a film of the gothic and horror genre. This
film is for brave children, rated PG, however this film is so
dark and mysterious it can be enjoyied by audiences of all
ages. This action packed short sums up in 5 minutes why
it is always important to do as you’re told.
‘Even though this short is only 5 minutes long it takes
every minute seriously, and this is by far the most
underrated classic gothic film.’
Little Beings, visually is very impressive, and
considering that it was produced with a small crew and a very
low-budget it's definitely a superb job. The stop-motion
animation is very fluid and the cinematography and overall
design works magnificently,especially accompanied and
enhanced by the poemnarration as its very well-written and
while simple, it'sinsanely powered through enigma and cleverly
original. Narrated by Sean Mutagh whose voice is the perfect fit
for the creepy poem that tells the story, it starts to remind me of
watching a Tim Burton classic such as ‘Corpse Bride’ or ‘A
Nightmare Before Christmas.’ Seans voice seems to be
completely fit for the role, as his transition and ability to
manipulate his voice and tone to the film exceeds and enhances
major scenes, from mastering an everyday story teller voice, to
a creepy, dark and dreery tone progessively within each chapter.
The lighting too adds a very dramatic interpretation of the
everyday world in the shoes of an 8 year old child (Aura),
especially within the final scene of the film, by building up more
tension through the fast and dramatic contrasting lighting
techniques.which I found by using an animated choreography
of light and stark graphics helped to disorient, capture and
enchant new audiences.
www.screamhorrormag.com
-Fangoria
-Empire
Overall I would recommend and watch this short over
and over again. It brings a smile to my face and makes me think of
being a young, and creepy, kid again,which would also give a
nostalgic feel to parents accompaning and yet also relating to
children and teens as the target audience. Despite its dark scenes,
this short is fantastic in teaching and educating children on the
seriousness of reality and the dark consequences on what can
happen if you don’t do as you’re told. 5/5.
Written by Marc Goldworth
With forboding consequences,we follow life in
main protagonist Aura through her school day of fun
packed science lessons with a crazy science teacher, and
constrasting scenes, stranded on her own, regretting
and questioning her own morals. The climax of the film
challenges conventions that are found in everyday
horror films by producing an ambiguous ending to the
film, making you think from another character’s
perspective, bringing a personal element to the film.
Lily Potter, director of the film stated ‘There is no right
or wrong answer to the ending of the film, it is open for
interpretation and all depends on what you think Aora
would do and how the previous happenings in the films
were affected.’ I feel that this concept brings a more
personal touch to the short, as you are able to create
your own ending, rather than a film with an ending you
accept, adding to the mystery and darkness that the film
has.
However, I find that the film is far too short!
As like other animated horror films, the drama within
the short engrosses you with realistic mystery and the
dark scenes, and before you know it the credits are
running. every aspect of this film, from the bright
characters and narration draws the audience in
fanstastically. Although, what I really admire about Lily
is the ability to bring the film alive throughout the
production design within the film, and her ability to give
each character a personality and own sence of
individuality by representing various children within the
school atmosphere, and enhancing the surroundings
within the props and amazing cinematography with no
flaws.
Aura looking at a butterfly shes followed.
pictured in chapter 3of Little Beings.
An actual frame from within the Short.
Reviews this week
19 20
Little Beings
…Will your morals save you?
This creepy picture is featured
in the titles of upcoming film, and
also similar photos used to advertise
the big event.