Float (2024) Movie Review: Like a Beach Read, This Cute Summer Romance Manages to Stay Afloat

Float (2024) Movie Review: Like a Beach Read, This Cute Summer Romance Manages to Stay Afloat

Directed: shereen Lee

Language: english 

Country:  canada 

"Float" – A Heartfelt Pixar Short About Unconditional Love and Acceptance

Pixar’s Float is a touching animated short film that first premiered in 2019 as part of the studio’s SparkShorts series. Created by Bobby Rubio, the film is just under seven minutes long, yet it leaves a lasting emotional impact through its powerful storytelling and minimal dialogue.

Plot Summary:

Float tells the story of a father who discovers that his young son has the ability to float – literally defying gravity. While at first the father is amazed and delighted, he soon realizes that others view his son’s floating as unusual and strange. Fearing judgment and rejection from society, the father starts to hide his son’s ability, going to great lengths to keep him grounded – both physically and emotionally.

However, an emotional turning point at a playground pushes the father to make a critical decision: whether to suppress who his child is or to accept and celebrate his uniqueness, regardless of what others think.

Themes:

At its core, Float is about parental love, acceptance, and the struggles many parents face when raising children who are “different” in some way. The floating serves as a metaphor for any trait that sets a child apart – whether it be neurodiversity, cultural identity, or personal uniqueness. The film speaks volumes without relying on words, using expressive animation and a gentle soundtrack to convey emotion.

Behind the Scenes:

Director Bobby Rubio based Float on his own experiences as a father to a child on the autism spectrum. The short is deeply personal, and that authenticity shines through. Rubio, a Filipino-American, also made history by featuring Pixar’s first Filipino-American animated characters, giving the story an added layer of cultural representation.

Why You Should Watch It:

Despite its short runtime, Float delivers a message of love, empathy, and the importance of embracing differences. It’s a must-watch for parents, educators, and anyone who believes in the beauty of diversity.

Download movie: click here