Harvester

This computer-animated short from recent graduate Nick Hampshire is an intriguing and enjoyable feature, which tells the cautionary tale of a would-be orchard thief on whom the magical forest takes its revenge.

Beautifully set to music by Andrew Fotheringham, Harvester is rendered in a 2D silhouette style which helps to generate an atmosphere of mystery and magic, entirely appropriate to the piece. When our alien (though humanoid) protagonist tries to steal fruit from the trees, he is chased by the spirits of the forest, will-o’-the-wisps who warn of the consequences of his transgression.

At a mere three minutes in length, the brevity of the short is refreshing and leaves the viewer wanting more. While this plot seems unlikely to justify further adventures or a much longer running time, the animation amply demonstrates that the director deserves an opportunity to show us what else he can do.