Submergence

March 1989 and we're giving critical blink and you miss it newspaper clippings about both a missing research vessel and scientists searching for a mythical lost city before Pixel Tradies take viewers onto an incredibly journey into the unknown with SUBMERGENCE.

Being 48 Hours there have genuinely been few and far between water-based films let alone submarine/deep sea films and there was genuinely an air of intrigue at a team presenting something new both in their chosen location, but to me with the form of their voice.

You see this was animated in a style that was visually unique. Calling to mind Terry Gilliam's cardboard cutout for Monty Python and the work of Laika but at the same time having its own unique feel. The mix of almost cardboard cutout characters with ethereal imagery, rustic architecture and iron gave the film an oneiric dreamlike state that I personally loved.

The sound really is what sets this one apart though. The sense of isolation and the depths of our protagonists journey shine through with watery effects, bubbles and breathing. Strong but never overplayed.

As a musical it may divide audiences, but I love genre subversion in this comp so no complaints here, especially when it felt like a tale lifted straight out of SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK.

Beautiful and disturbing. Great work Pixed Tradies!

Thanks for the awesome review SteelPotato!!! :D