Stuffed

I think my favourite genre of movie might be insane musicals.

This was just pure absurd darkness that has this core of human emotions under it all. It's insane. It asks questions and ponders all these different ideas. Which for a musical about taxidermy is just insane.

It reminds me of The Lure (2015). They both take subjects that are so far from a musical subject and make it work perfectly.

The set design was really good and I think they used it to create fun shots.

I also really loved the actors. They gave it their all. The singing was also amazing especially the woman.

This was just so fun and makes me so excited about short movies.

Now this is my kind of musical theatre! A lady (Alison Fitzjohn) advertises for an helper for the ultimate challenge for her taxidermy online, and gets a response from "Bernie" (Anthony Young). He has no wish to die, but he has no wish to grow old either - so what better way to avoid the latter and to attain a degree of perfect immortality? He arrives at her home where a cup of tea and few musical numbers that could easily have fitted into Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" ease him, and us, into the process as the two find an instant emotional connection. The simplicity of the dark and dingy photography is really quite effective but it's the lyric that works best as it manages to incorporate some clever rhymes with the downright macabre and yes, even an hint of affection, too.

A dark story, reminding , in some measure, Sweeney Todd: The demon barber of Fleet Street. But it has its way. First , for the very eccentric story. Second for acting - Alison Fitzjohn gives a splendid job. Not less, for cinematography. Short, delightful story of passion and, in some form, love, using basic truths, fears, desires not always comfortable to show and a great portrait of a small universe. A film about death and desire to be imortal. And about the work, precise, simple and perfect of a taxidermist looking for new challenge. Sure, you hope than the glass contains only vine . But the love has so many aspects... .

I reviewed this film for my website Mother of Movies back when Stuffed was released. I was checking in on how the filmmakers were going with progess for a feature film of wide release for this amazing and insanely emotional short film. Performances are incredible, the theme is uncomfortable and the ideas presented had me telling everyone I knew about it.

Sadly as at mid 2023, it remains viewable as a trailer only.

Stuffed, taps into the most intimate moments for humans and what it takes to find people to fill us up. As both a melanchily look into all the things that make us human while trying to prolong the things the we find, this is a must see.

It makes me sad people can't see it.

This is the type of filmmaking that we need more of. Alsion Fitzjohn (Araminta) is a force on screen. Her co-star Anthony Young (Bernie) spews forth a vunerablility and conviction that left my nerves frazzled.