Written and directed by Joseph Wallace, a troupe of clowns gather to perform a story about a Priest and a refugee but as their misguided tale unfolds, the boundaries between fiction and reality begin to fray. A troupe of clowns gather to perform a story about a Priest and a refugee but as their misguided tale unfolds, the boundaries between fiction and reality begin to fray. Voiced by Itziar Ituño, Kat Kleve, Yasmine Al Massri, Anna Savva, Barbara Sotelsek and Elisabetta Spaggiari.

Often you’ll find short films which use their brief time to create a metaphor for a bigger issue, so what’s fascinating about Salvation Has No Name is that it cuts out almost all of the pretence and goes right for the heart of its subject. That subject being racism, prejudice, xenophobia, refugees and the highly relevant power of the spoken word, or typed word as would be most apt for today. It’s an unusual experience for it to relate to the world today so strongly, while creating this weird world of its own, without any real need for interpretation. Although that does cleverly allow the topic to be accessible for a wider audience.

Another key element to the story which is incredibly poignant is how it portrays that partial knowledge is a dangerous thing. Reflecting how quick people today are to judge and condemn based on a snippet of information, which could likely be incorrect. As well as touching upon the consequences of acting on snap judgements and not taking the time to be compassionate and understanding. All of which is wrapped up in this blanket of classic literature, the style is akin to floating yourself into a world created by the likes of Melville, Verne or Stevenson. Added to the fact that it feels influenced by filmmakers like Harryhausen, del Toro or Laloux’s Fantastic Planet, with a touch of James and the Giant Peach. That combination is highly captivating and the style is somehow individual yet familiar, and filled with emotion and colour.

The voice work is fantastic, highly reminiscent of beloved children’s cinema, with that perfect welcoming tone. Then you have the quirky, mysterious edge of its narrator of sorts, Ringmaster (Elisabetta Spaggiari) which itself feels like another throwback, this time to Burton’s work. The actual design of the characters is similarly terrific, they’re still linked with reality but satisfyingly warped into something of their own. The choices of style are unusual and highly creative, especially as it moves back and forth between focusing on the telling of the past and the present. It’s a great mix of mashing together two worlds and blurring the lines between actions and consequences.

Salvation Has No Name is a great portrayal of modern society’s lack of compassion and the eagerness to condemn others. It hits the nail on the head with exploring how what you say matters and how it can potentially have horrendous consequences. Joseph Wallace’s style is completely his own and simultaneously is tipping its hat to heavy hitters of animation and cinema. It has a touch of the strange, fully embraces the idea of storytelling and is surprisingly apt.

Verdict: ✯✯✯✯ | 8/10

Make your own verdict by watching Salvation Has No Name below