Reflective Encounters

“Knot represents a particularly promising debut from new director Marie Lechevallier, whose background largely centres around puppet-based stop-motion animation. Her production approach here combines these stop-motion skills with 2D animation sensibilities, constructing an atmospheric world of fantastical acrobatic characters in a multiplane environment. Said atmosphere is in no small part due to Knot’s striking colour theory and meditative soundtrack, courtesy of musical outfit My Octopus Mind. At the film’s heart is the interplay between Blue, whose fearfulness of stepping out of their comfort zone inhibits their performance, and the comparatively free and easy Orange. Through the encouragement of Orange, Blue is able to take their first, faltering steps toward a less reticent way of life.

A painted paper cut-out approach to the characters retains the appealingly tactile quality of stop-motion and informs their unique design while also freeing up the potential for movement. As such they are able to meet the demands of meticulously choreographed performances that draw on the director’s own involvement in improv theatre. This experience also bleeds into the fundamental themes of the film; the inevitable resistance we all feel when stepping into the unknown, as well as the personal fortitude and support systems that help us push through it.”

— Ben Mitchell