AWARD THIS 2023 NOMINEE! Unicorn Boy begins with real-life footage of writer-director Matt Kiel making a private admission from 2016: “I would like to love really really feel like I’m altering, like I’m changing into who I’m speculated to be.” And earlier than we even have time to course of this assertion, we’re thrust into an animated world alongside Matty, a personality based mostly on and voiced by Kiel.
Animated with reasonably crimson, curly hair and enlarged, expressive eyes, Matty’s vibrant look stands out in an condo setting with hints of sunshine pink and harsh white. There are faint outlines of vases, home windows, and furnishings, however Matty instructions your consideration. They peer out the window for a couple of moments earlier than sitting on a sofa as they maintain a mug. Finally, Matty seems to be exhausted and gently throws their cellphone in frustration.
Then, a fleet-footed unicorn out of the blue seems and wreaks havoc in Matty’s front room. There are rainbow streaks all over the place, and Matty couldn’t be extra confused. Before being certain of what precisely transpired, the unicorn is gone. Matty goes about their day, assembly up with eccentric buddy Sethward (the comic Sethward). The associates discuss happenings of their lives. Matty is troubled by a latest heartbreak and is battling their identification. Then the unicorn returns, taking Matty to a different dimension. This new dimension brims with colour. This world’s mountainous, verdant topography is beautiful, residence to magical creatures, massive and small. During Matty’s trek via the uncharted, fantastical dimension, they ponder their happiness and gender identification.
“…the unicorn returns, taking Matty to a different dimension.”
Unicorn Boy is suffused with pastel hues and a breezy model with emotional undertones. It’s evident that a lot love and energy went into making it. The ethereal world that Kiel creates is radiant and putting. From the creature designs to Matty’s characterization and the squashing and stretching of the characters and their expressions, their dedication to smaller particulars and a strong character arc solidifies their expertise as an animator and storyteller.
Plus, this journey of self-discovery is brimming with nice absurdities. There are wacky characters that fly, shape-shift, and metamorphize. Sometimes the makes an attempt at comedy fall quick, however every part is animated vividly, nonetheless. Halfway via, Matty’s again to actuality, and the movie begins to run low on gasoline. However, Kiel regains momentum with an enjoyably frenzied, rainbow-drenched finale that strengthens their intention to indicate that being true to your self, whereas by no means simple, is rewarding and empowering.
Kiel’s voice finely imbues the character of Matty with hesitancy and discomposure — however to not the diploma that they’re ever unlikable. Sethward is a enjoyable addition to the forged, whose droll supply is likely one of the higher makes an attempt at humor. The voice-acting all-around is excellent, however Patton Oswalt particularly, whose voice is so welcoming and recognizable that his supply alone enlivens a somewhat syrupy monologue on the finish.
Unicorn Boy is a heartfelt and comical enterprise of what it means to be content material in your personal pores and skin and gender identification. Sometimes it takes slightly creativeness and perspective to determine who you might be. That’s precisely what Kiel does, hoping to encourage others to embrace their true self, no matter which will appear like.
Unicorn Boy screened on the 2023 Slamdance Film Festival. Unicorn Boy is a 2023 Award This! Animated nominee.
