On the White Planet (2014) Fantasia 2015

Visually arresting film concerns a teen-aged boy of color. Not black or white color, but genuine color since he lives on a world where everything is black and white. People bleed white, he bleeds red, his skin is pink. Living on the fringes of society he forages for food and kills those who get in his way. His one wish is to turn white like everyone else. Hooking up with a group of criminals he thinks he may have found a family, however they have designs of their own.

Dark sad story that is like a gut punch. This is the story of the outside and of the thing or person that is different and how society seeks to destroy it.It is not a happy tale and when it was done I wanted to go outside and see life. This is a film that will depress you.

The film's visual style is interesting. Using a largely monochromatic animation art style the film will occasionally shift so it looks like charcoal or paint or comic books or even fleeting live action. Its something that works wonders with the telling of the story.

A must see for anyone who wants their animation to be more than just talking animals or giant robots.

The film plays today at 4 at Fantasia. For tickets and more information go here.