Austin Film Festival Short Feature Review: ‘The Death of James’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Whether we like it or not, there will come a point in our lives where we must face death. It may come via the loss of a family member when we are young, or that same loss might happen later in life. But one way or another, we will be reminded of the fact that our time on this Earth is finite, and that is a transformative epiphany. One that takes us on an emotional ride and forces us to process so much, especially in our youth. For in that moment, we face so many hard facts regarding mortality, and this is so complex and so powerful, that even the world of creative storytelling struggles to put to screen or paper what that is like.
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But now and again, you run into stories that do in fact, get it right and really express the gravitas of that moment and what we actually go through when we face this and a short feature in that vein just so happened to screen at the Austin Film Festival this year, in The Death of James. Which is a story that introduces us to a man named Kevin who is at a crossroads. For his beloved ferret, James, who he has owned for ages, is terminally ill and Kevin doesn’t know what to do. For he’s never faced death in this manner, especially when it comes to a pet that he utterly adores. So, he calls in his good friend/roommate Ellery to help him figure out how best to put James down, and how best to handle the reality… that death is inevitable.

Which brings forth, a stunning exploration of that moment. For both Kevin and Ellery are stunned by the state of James and the fact that one way or another, he will no longer be in their lives. Which prompts them both to ponder upon life, the nature of death, of how we should face it and the fact that we must. That leads, to some powerfully philosophical moments from this duo. Wherein they speak frankly about such matters and the very things we fear and must process and they of course, struggle with it. Because that is so much to process in a short time, and it speaks to how unprepared we are for the end. Courtesy of what it produces from us emotionally. But more so because we simply have not a clue what we are supposed to do when death comes for someone we love or a pet we adore.

Simply because this feature points out, that we don’t talk about such matters. That somehow the endgame for our life is taboo in nature and we should ignore such thoughts. But this feature also correctly points out, that we should instead, embrace such discussions, especially with people that matter. So that we can safely process our fears and get them out into the open and to also… properly grieve when the moment does come. Because understanding of death or no, the end is still loss, and loss hurts, and we have to deal with those emotions accordingly. And yet, there are still more amazing lessons to be found here. Since this story also explores, that we can process all of this with humor if it helps, or in whatever manner helps relieve the ache that is upon our very soul.

All of which makes… for a beautiful and moving short feature. One that is grounded in reality. Since Sam Chou, the director, and Ellery Vandooyeweert, the writer… lived this long ago and felt a need to share this with everyone, and the end result… is magnificent. In fact, this film and its creative team deserve a round of applause for using animation to tell this story. Since it allows for the lessons and subject matter to be absorbed a little easier, and it is a truly important film. For this is the kind of story that all should watch, to learn an important lesson or reaffirm what they already know about death, and how it truly is on the horizon. But that we shouldn’t fear it. We should instead find value in the moments available to us and cherish the memories of those who leave us behind, be them a beloved aunt, or a furry friend that brought us joy.

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