Pixabay

This week, I watched the Oscar-winning short animated film If Anything Happens, I Love You, directed by Michael Govier and Will McCormack. Only twelve minutes long, it is an inspiring piece that explores the love, loss, and grief of two parents mourning the death of their young daughter, who was killed in a school shooting. 

The story has no dialogue and instead relies on visuals and music. The animation style is simple, with black and white sketches that mirror the characters’ suffering. Shadows portray the guilt haunting the parents, and emphasizes their mourning.

One of the most powerful moments for me was when the parents’ memories of their late daughter come to life. By incorporating color into this scene, the film contrasts happy memories and the sorrow of the present, which makes the loss feel more profound.

I would recommend this film due to its addressing of the issue of gun violence in schools. By not showing the shooting itself, the film allows viewers to focus on the psychological aftermath rather than the specific event. This approach makes the film more moving and serves as a reminder of the countless families who have endured this loss due to school shootings in recent years.