In the city an older man lives with a view of the country and the forest in the distance – a place he mentally goes when he can, although the noise of the urban area usually grounds him where he is. As a result he sets out to walk out into the country; meanwhile, in the forest, a creature struggles to fit in with the other animals and seems to have a curiosity beyond their place.
Essentially this short film suggests that there is a place for everyone and it plays this out in a nice little tale of these two characters who both have their goals ahead of them. As a narrative it is very slight indeed, and it is perhaps too light to really satisfy as a story – a feeling added to by how quaint and delicate the music is. I forgive it this though because the manner of delivery helps it sell the charm it needs to be this way, although I do think it doesn't do enough to cover for it totally. The main charm comes from the animation, which has a great texture to it so it feels earthy – like it was animated onto a rough piece of thick but soft brown paper.
This scratchy effect works well, with a hint of Mr. Scruff in the style, the characters have a warmth to them, and the fragmented "box" style delivery that it utilizes at times is very effective and works very well visually. Ultimately I think it doesn't quite have the heart that the charm and warmth of the delivery suggests that it will, however it is nicely cheering and, for a 5 minute animated short, it is more than worth a look.
