Jason Sondhi
Brimming with imaginative design and paired with a memorable soundscape that is incorporated into the story, Marcus Øvre’s student animation from UCA Farnham, In Harmony, is impossible to not be charmed by. At scarcely over 4min, its story of a fantastic woodland creature yearning to belong does not break new ground narratively, however, the familiarity provides a reliable platform for the filmmaker’s bizarre characters to delight audiences and demonstrate how a distinctive approach to simple and basic 3D animation can produce something memorable.
Taking inspiration from folklore, Øvre populates a wooded forest—similar to the Norwegian ones he grew up near—with a panoply of odd creatures. Humanoid, but naked and in notable ways askew, they are an original invention with a heavy debt to gnomes, elves, trolls, kodama…name your favorite fictional critter. This species communicates only through music and our lead, who does not possess arms, finds participation to be difficult. Lonely, he ventures through the forest to discover someone he is able to make beautiful music with.
To me, Øvre’s genius with In Harmony is in the modulation of the character design. The creatures are grotesque in a surprisingly visceral way due to their resemblance to humans. Figures, such as the one who makes a clacking sound by twisting its head, are quite unnerving! Yet there is a humorous and absurd friendliness to our lead, with their large, expressive eyes and queer mustache that is quite inviting! This push and pull of disgust vs. cuteness is a powerful dynamic and entranced me throughout.
Øvre is also responsible for the second notable element of the short—the music. From a storytelling sense, the music conceit is an instantly recognizable way to depict compatibility. Again, in a film this brief, storytelling efficiency is key. It is also really catchy and appealing! Øvre developed the music in tandem with the character design, as the animator worked to give each character instruments or ways to produce sound that fit their look. This cohesive and detailed approach pays off and despite not being a technically intricate or spectacular production, every element feels polished and dialed in.
UCA Farnham is not an institution that was on my radar, but with Øvre’s B.A. film from the school, recognition for the program is beginning to flow, as In Harmony was awarded twice by the UK’s Royal Television Society as well as garnering selections at prominent stops like Manchester Animation and Pictoplasma. We are pleased to now present the film’s online premiere, and hope you enjoy it as much as we do!