Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Fully prep to be in tears while watching the 12 minute short If Anything Happens I Love You.
| Director(s) | Will McCormack, Michael Govier |
| Screenplay By | Will McCormack, Michael Govier |
| Date Released (Netflix) | 11/20/2020 |
| Genre(s) | Drama |
| Duration | 12 Minutes |
| Rating | Rated PG |
| Noted Cast | |
| N/A | N/A |
This content contains pertinent spoilers.
Film & Plot Summary
We’re introduced to a married couple who seem distant. It isn’t initially clear why they both seem in a fog, with shadows arguing to represent perhaps inner turmoil or past fights. However, as you learn what the sadness and fighting source was, you get it – and it is devastating.
Things To Note | Question(s) Left Unanswered
- Reason(s) for Film Rating: Gun violence through sound, not physically seen
- Jump Scares/ Laughs/ Tear-Jerking Moments: After around 4 or 5 minutes in, it’s nothing but tears.
Review
Highlights
Once You Learn Why The Parents Are Sad, You Better Hope You’ve Been Drinking Enough Water
Since Netflix doesn’t do standalone shorts often, it was weird to find If Anything Happens I Love You. Especially something animated as Netflix, while it still has a reputation for greenlighting what others wouldn’t, I would say has really done that with animation. Usually, it’s something that is unflattering CGI or something imported.
So with watching If Anything Happens I Love You, from the art style to there being no dialog, you may feel caught off guard. Yet, as you watch the mother and father walkabout and get the vibe what they miss is each other, you kind of get into the story.
But then you realize what is missing is a child, and with that, you start to get into your feelings as they recap what their life was as a family. Which makes you learning why the child isn’t there devastating.
Overall
Positive (Worth Seeing) – Recommended
I am a strong believer that anything that, in such a short amount of time, can cause an emotional reaction, it must be recommended. After all, we’ve watched an hour and a half movies that don’t do that. Entire series that kill off characters, and we hunch over the moment. Yet, in a short time span of 12 minutes, I found myself crying more than I have for any production in months.
Hence the positive rating and recommendation. If Anything Happens I Love You reminds you of the horror that 2020, and COVID-19, put a pause on. Yet, with memories of the way the world, mostly the United States, used to be, it is a sordid reminder of what can and likely will happen once the new normal begins.
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If Anything Happens I Love You Ending (Spoilers)
So, the daughter died in a school shooting. It isn’t clear why there was a shooter but with her being 10, it was likely a shooter at an elementary school. And as for the title? It was the last thing their daughter texted them.
Now, as for why the shadows argue and things like that? You can assume blame passing between the two, maybe guilt, or just the side effects of the vacuum caused by suddenly losing their daughter. Certain things aren’t explained, and honestly, considering the climax, do you need an explanation?
Does If Anything Happens I Love You Have Sequel Potential?
No.
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