The best way for creators to stand out when dealing with outdated ideas is to find something that makes their work unique. Whether it’s looking at the story through an unusual lens or repurposing classic tropes to tell the story with a fresh beat, the trick is to find the one or two things the creator can claim as their own. Candice Rogersof Let Them Breathe: Ocean CityThis emotionally charged anime zombie movie, full of fantasy and deeply personal drama, does exactly that, although its twist on the formula results in a special kind of weirdness that won’t be for everyone.
let them breathewhich has developed a cult following on YouTube and is steamis a digitally animated story about a boy named Jesse who wakes up in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. His family disappeared and his friends are now part of an undead horde. He remembers a friend he had at school named Selena and entertains the idea of finding her, hoping that reconnecting will bring some new meaning to this new reality.
Zombies are here let them breathe is melancholic, a walk that reminds one of the tragedy of a life cut short and a friend lost. Rogers sees them as extensions of Jesse’s worst fears as a teenager. these are not George Romero Zombies or ultra violent fast zombies Dawn of the Dead remake or 28 days later (in this case infecting humans). They did more to advance specific parts of the plot, which was a welcome addition. Not many zombie movies have the complexity of a reanimated corpse beyond becoming someone’s loved one.
You might be saying to yourself that this premise doesn’t really show anything too weird, and you’d be right. Part of this comes from its execution and artistic direction. Rogers chose an animated rendering approach that emphasized the characters but kept the locations and backgrounds mostly flat and sparse in color. The effect gives it the feel of an indie video game, with sometimes clunky and stuttery movements. Objects often pass through the character model, and the movements appear graceful.
Additionally, the film features all but three actors dubbing: boris jump (like 1 and 2), Yumiko D (Jesse Chen, Jake Chen and Mr. Chen) as well as Candice Rogers herself (playing Selena and 5). This inspires the spirit of independence let them breathealthough it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between roles in verbal exchanges. That said, the three performers are clearly comfortable with each other, allowing the dialogue to unfold with the tone and intimacy the story demands. It also injects a sense of relevance to the themes explored within it.
For example, Jesse struggles to be Chinese while knowing how to speak Japanese, which confuses those around him through no fault of his own. Yumiko D’s response has the right rhythm of a teenager trying not to completely succumb to angst and existential despair. Rogers pulls off this, too, by giving Selina a matter-of-fact perspective on things when she needs to, tapping into the sense of contempt that teenagers display when faced with difficult topics.
It all combines to make for an experience that you’ll either adapt to, or be impatient with. For those who enjoy the kind of storytelling that can be found in many independent projects currently trying to find an audience on YouTube and other film platforms, then this has all the necessary elements to satisfy. Those who don’t like this style won’t be converted here.
let them breathe Certainly a film aimed at a specific audience, with the visual and conversational styles discussed here (i.e. video art and teen-focused animation). You have to accept it or you will be put off by it. There’s no denying that, no matter which side you’re on, Rogers’ zombie drama is unlike any out there. If this is the type of movie you’re looking for, you’re in for a pretty good experience.
Let Them Breathe: Ocean City It will be released on September 6, 2024.