A Jellyfish

In a quiet seaside town, a reclusive young woman named Haruka finds solace in observing jellyfish. Her solitary existence is disrupted by the arrival of a charismatic but troubled musician, leading to an unexpected and poignant connection. As their bond deepens, they confront past traumas and unspoken desires, searching for a shared sense of peace amidst their individual struggles.

A Jellyfish was met with a mixed but generally positive reception, praised for its unique visual style and emotional depth, though some critics found its pacing slow. Audience reception was more divided, with some resonating deeply with its introspective themes and others finding it overly abstract.

• Visually stunning animation that creates a dreamlike atmosphere.

• A tender and melancholic exploration of loneliness and connection.

• Some viewers found the narrative too subtle and understated.

Google audience: Google users frequently praised the film's beautiful animation and its ability to evoke strong emotions, particularly feelings of empathy for the characters. However, a notable portion of users expressed that the plot was difficult to follow at times and that the film's slow pace made it less engaging.

Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival. Won Grand Prize at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (for its short film precursor).

The distinctive, ethereal animation style of the jellyfish sequences was achieved through a unique blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and advanced CGI, with the director personally overseeing the fluidity of every movement.