Fans of horror animation will love this week’s entry: Death and the Winemaker. Written and directed by Victor Jaquier, this short was based on an old tale from the Swiss region of Valais.  Featuring watercolor backgrounds and darkly whimsical characters, viewers are pulled into the fantastically macabre world from the very first few seconds. Be forewarned, that this is not the most uplifting film I have presented to you here in this blog, however, its beautiful story of misguided acts for love and eventual understanding will stick with you long after the film’s seventeen minutes have passed. 

I love fairytales and films set in whimsical interpretations of the past. Jaquier crafts a beautiful depiction of Death (“La Mort”), highlighting both the fear and beauty that lie within her embrace. Man’s feeble attempts to outsmart their inevitable fate have dire consequences that can affect far more than an individual can realize. Take heed from the young winemaker’s mistakes and accept that which cannot be avoided. 

Released in 2021, this film had a successful film festival run, screening at Fransasia, Fantastic Fest, Filmquest, and over 40 other events. It has since been posted on ALTER’s youtube channel. ALTER describes itself as “an ever-expanding platform for the most daring storytellers in the world of horror”.