“Zoon” by Jonatan Schwenk is an immersive exploration of the paradoxical nature of life, survival and existence, set against the backdrop of a nocturnal forest. Clocking in at just over four minutes, the film embarks on an engaging narrative journey through the interaction between a group of axolotls and the larger, bipedal forest dwellers who encounter them.

The film’s narrative is based on the natural behavior of axolotls, creatures depicted as engaging in primitive acts of survival and pleasure in their environment. Schwenk’s interest in the dichotomy between the axolotls’ heartwarming cuteness and the inherent cruelty of the jungle creatures provides a basis for the film’s thematic exploration. The axolotls, together with a host of forest creatures and potato-shaped bipeds, form a web of life that oscillates between joyful existence and the harsh realities of the natural world.

“Zoon” uses a multi-faceted animation approach, blending stop-motion, 2D, 3D animation and puppetry to bring different characters to life. The film further enriches its aesthetics with a variety of backdrops that combine photography, digitally drawn elements and 3D renderings to create the immersive woodland world.

At its core, the film explores themes of joy, the cycle of life and the search for transcendence beyond the material realm. It presents a world where joy and pain coexist, where the consumption of one life by another leads to a complex but beautiful cycle of existence. This duality is summarized in the film’s climax, where the act of consumption leads to a literal and metaphorical ascension, raising questions about the nature of happiness, fulfillment and the price of both.

At its core, “Zoon” is a work of abstract narrative and visual appeal, appealing to audiences looking for depth and beauty in animation. Its acclaim and screenings at various film festivals, including Sundance, underscore the film’s appeal and the important conversations it initiates about life, joy and the complexity of our existence.