UNDERNEATH : Animation Short Film (Thesis Film) 2022

KAZU9G

26 Nov 202213:42

Summary

TLDRIn a dystopian world, Afra and Zell struggle to maintain their crumbling city. A mysterious figure offers an escape to Ocean City by taking a transformative pill. Zell, desperate, takes it, leaving Afra behind. Transformed into a fish-like creature, Zell discovers Ocean City's utopian facade and returns to warn Afra. As the city collapses, Afra must decide between accepting change or clinging to the past, facing the moral dilemma of fixing what's broken or embracing transformation.

Takeaways

😔 Characters are in a difficult, frustrating environment, struggling with a sense of despair.
🤝 Two main characters, Afra and Zell, are trying to fix something together in a place that seems broken.
💊 A mysterious figure offers the characters a pill to escape to 'Ocean City,' promising a better life.
🤨 Afra is skeptical and questions the trustworthiness of the people offering the escape, while Zell is more willing to take the risk.
😠 There is tension between Afra and Zell, with Afra accusing Zell of giving up and abandoning her by taking the pill.
🏚️ The environment around them is collapsing, symbolizing the dire state of their current world.
🐟 Afra notices strange changes in Zell after taking the pill, including the appearance of a tail.
😨 Afra is scared of change and hesitant to leave for Ocean City, even though the world around her is falling apart.
🤔 Zell tries to convince Afra that things in their current world can't be fixed and that moving on is necessary.
🌊 The concept of Ocean City represents a new beginning, but it also comes with fear, uncertainty, and transformation for the characters.

Q & A

What is the main conflict in the script?
-The main conflict is between the characters' desire to escape their deteriorating environment and the moral dilemma of taking a pill to join the Ocean City, which involves changing their physical form.
Who are Afra and Zell, and what is their relationship?
-Afra and Zell are two characters in the script who meet and interact with each other. Afra is trying to fix something, and Zell offers to help, indicating a cooperative relationship.
What does the pill offered by the leader represent?
-The pill represents a chance to leave their current miserable life behind and join the Ocean City, symbolizing a drastic change and the abandonment of their current identity.
Why is the city described as 'dying'?
-The city is described as 'dying' because it is falling apart, with buildings collapsing and a lack of freedom and privacy, indicating a place that is no longer sustainable or desirable to live in.
What is the significance of the playground in the script?
-The playground is significant as it seems to be a place of realization for the characters, where they acknowledge the city's state and consider the option of taking the pill to escape.
What transformation does taking the pill cause?
-Taking the pill causes the characters to transform into fish, which is a physical change that allows them to join the Ocean City but also signifies a loss of their human form.
Why does Zell return to the city after visiting the Ocean City?
-Zell returns to the city to tell Afra about the Ocean City, hoping that Afra might change their mind about not wanting to join, suggesting that the Ocean City might be better than expected.
What is the moral dilemma faced by the characters?
-The moral dilemma faced by the characters is whether to accept the transformation and escape to the Ocean City or to stay and try to fix their crumbling city, despite the seemingly futile effort.
How does the script explore the theme of identity?
-The script explores the theme of identity through the characters' struggle with their physical transformation and the decision to leave their current life behind, questioning what it means to be themselves.
What is the role of the 'foreign' and '[Music]' notations in the script?
-The 'foreign' and '[Music]' notations likely indicate moments of foreign language dialogue or musical interludes, adding to the atmosphere and emotional tone of the script.
What does the character's refusal to go to the Ocean City signify?
-The character's refusal to go to the Ocean City signifies a resistance to change and a desire to maintain their current identity, even in the face of a deteriorating environment.

Outlines

00:00

🤝 Encounter and Collaboration

The first paragraph introduces two characters, Afra and Zell, who meet in a deteriorating environment. Afra expresses frustration with their surroundings, and Zell offers help in fixing a problem. They engage in a conversation where Zell learns Afra's name and they decide to collaborate. Afra is skeptical about being 'fixed' but agrees to work together. The narrative includes moments of kindness, such as Zell bringing Afra's favorite drink, and tension as they face a challenging task. The paragraph concludes with a sense of unease and the characters' worry about the stability of their environment.

05:00

💊 Decision and Transformation

In the second paragraph, the narrative shifts to a more dramatic turn. A persuasive speaker promises a better life in 'Ocean City' and offers a transformative pill to the inhabitants. Afra and Zell discuss the offer, with Afra initially hesitant but eventually taking the pill, leading to a transformation. Zell, shocked by the change, confronts Afra about the decision. Afra defends the choice, arguing it's the best option for escaping a dying city. The paragraph ends with a dramatic revelation of a monster, adding a layer of fear and uncertainty to their situation.

10:21

🏗️ Collapse and Resistance

The third paragraph continues the story with a sense of urgency as a building collapses and Zell seeks Afra's help. Afra, now transformed, is resistant to returning to their old life and is dismissive of Zell's pleas. The paragraph explores themes of change, resistance to it, and the struggle between maintaining one's identity and adapting to new realities. The narrative ends with a poignant moment where Afra chooses to continue 'fixing' despite the overwhelming odds, suggesting a stubborn determination to hold onto the past.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fixing

In the context of the video, 'fixing' refers to the act of repairing or making something operational again. It is a central theme as the characters Afra and Zell are trying to fix a problem in their environment. The term is used when Zell asks Afra if they can help fix something, indicating a collaborative effort to resolve a situation. It also symbolizes the struggle against decay and the desire to maintain control over their circumstances.

💡Freedom

Freedom in the script represents the absence of control or restriction, which is a significant issue for the people in the land. The speaker promises freedom in the Ocean City, suggesting that their current situation is one of oppression or lack of autonomy. This keyword is crucial as it contrasts the current state of the characters with the potential of a new life, highlighting a central conflict in the narrative.

💡Surviving

'Surviving' is used to describe the state of living that is merely about existence without the quality of life. In the script, the speaker contrasts 'living' with 'surviving,' implying that the characters are in a place where they are not truly experiencing life to its fullest. This term is significant as it sets the stage for the characters' desire to escape their current circumstances and seek a better life.

💡Pill

The 'pill' in the script is a symbol of transformation and escape. It is offered as a means to leave behind the current miserable life and join the Ocean City. The pill represents a drastic decision that the characters must make, which is to abandon their current form of existence for an unknown future. It is a pivotal element in the narrative as it forces characters to confront their fears and desires.

💡Ocean City

Ocean City is presented as a utopian destination where people can live a better life, away from the decay and restrictions of their current environment. It is used as a lure by the speaker to convince the people to leave their home and take the pill. The concept of Ocean City is central to the video's theme as it represents hope and the pursuit of a better life, despite the uncertainty and risks involved.

💡Transformation

Transformation in the script refers to the physical and metaphorical change that the characters undergo. It is evident when one character turns into a fish after taking the pill, signifying a drastic and irreversible change. This keyword is integral to the narrative as it explores the consequences of choices and the nature of identity and self-perception.

💡Decay

'Decay' is used to describe the state of disintegration and deterioration of the characters' environment. It is a recurring theme that underscores the urgency to escape and the bleakness of their current situation. The script mentions things falling apart, which illustrates the decay and the need for a change, whether it is through fixing or leaving.

💡Trust

Trust is a significant concept in the script as it is tested and challenged by the characters' decisions. It is evident in the dialogue where one character questions the trustworthiness of the people offering the pill and the promise of a better life. Trust is a central theme as it relates to the characters' willingness to take risks and their relationships with one another.

💡Choice

Choice is a recurring theme in the script, presented through the decision to take the pill or stay and try to fix the current situation. The characters are faced with tough decisions that will determine their future, and this keyword is central to the narrative as it explores the concept of agency and the consequences of one's actions.

💡Abandonment

Abandonment is a key concept in the script, highlighted when one character feels left behind after another takes the pill. It signifies the emotional turmoil and the breaking of bonds that result from the characters' choices. This keyword is important as it adds depth to the characters' struggles and the emotional stakes of their decisions.

💡Fear

Fear is a driving force in the script, influencing the characters' decisions and actions. It is evident when a character is scared of changing and facing an uncertain future. The keyword 'fear' is crucial as it explores the characters' inner conflicts and the barriers they must overcome to achieve their desires.

Highlights

Afra expresses dissatisfaction with their current environment, calling it 'full of crap'.

Zell introduces himself and offers to help Afra with a task, showcasing a collaborative spirit.

Afra's reluctance to accept help and her determination to fix things on her own are evident.

Afra's appreciation for a favorite item brought by an unnamed individual, indicating a personal touch in their interactions.

The unnamed individual's reassurance to Afra that they can rest after their task is completed.

Afra's worry about the stability of their environment, as she mentions a 'plate still falling down'.

The introduction of a charismatic leader promising to lead people out of their 'miserable place'.

The leader's critique of the current land, highlighting the lack of freedom and privacy.

The offer of a 'pill' as a means to escape to a better place, Ocean City, which raises ethical questions.

Afra's skepticism and refusal to take the pill, showing her critical thinking and resistance to manipulation.

Zell's transformation into a 'fish' and his return to convince Afra to join him, indicating a change of heart.

Afra's refusal to accept Zell's transformation and her determination to stay and fix the city.

The collapse of the building and the urgency for Afra to help, highlighting the dire situation.

Zell's realization that the city is not as bad as he thought and his attempt to persuade Afra to reconsider.

Afra's fear and reluctance to change, emphasizing the emotional struggle of the characters.

The final scene where Afra is left to decide her fate, encapsulating the theme of choice and consequence.