Written and directed by Aaron Blaise, when a lonely polar bear can’t find a friend…he makes one.
There are some films that are almost impossible not to like and Snow Bear fits pretty squarely into that category. Its hand drawn animation is undeniably charming, it’s somehow both modern yet completely throwback and nostalgic. It’s difficult not to immediately think of Brave and Brother Bear, because it has that same kind of classically wholesome, sweet, warm atmosphere. As well as having a hugely youthful vein running through it, its story may certainly have deeper levels but that initial impression and a key part of its energy is capturing the playfulness and curiosity of childhood.
Aaron Blaise nicely layers that with the bigger meaning behind Snow Bear, you couldn’t necessarily say it was subtle, as any adult watching will see it transparently, but it’s quietly exploring conservationism and climate change. It’s not throwing it in your face, it’s letting it come about naturally. There’s also a very touching undercurrent of loneliness that does a great job of representing species decline and deteriorating environments.
Visually, it’s arguably even stronger, the way that the texture changes between the bear and the landscape is surprisingly charming. That contrast creatures such a wonderful grain to the aesthetic. It’s also filled with colour, moves with a gradual yet never slow pacing. It has this particularly purple hue which really feeds into the atmosphere. All of those elements are then topped with a superb score from Marlon Espino, Mark Mancina and Steven Rader, which is the cherry on top, it’s endearing and moving.
Snow Bear is exactly what you’d expect in the best of ways. The animation is stellar work, you can truly feel how much heart and sheer effort went into creating it from Aaron Blaise. It’s a simple yet layered story that tightly pulls on your heartstrings while creating awareness of the impact of climate change. It’s a lovely short film, that’s very well made and a pretty delightful way to spend eleven minutes.
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