[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.

Additionally, some images and text may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission or receive products if you make a purchase.

“The Lovers” Film Details

Director(s): Alice Mao, Sophia Paez
Writer(s): Alice Mao
Runtime: 15 Minutes
Film Festival – NewFest 2026 [More Coverage Of The 2026 Film Festival]): October 17, 2026
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Animation
Cultural Context or Representation: LGBT+
Content Rating: Not Rated

Movie Summary

A recent tragedy in Sara’s family has led her to leave school to help out at her family restaurant. She isn’t a prodigy, and her grandmother isn’t afraid to let her know that, but she tries. However, when she encounters a siren named Sirena, who is meant to be a delicacy for an important dinner, she is unsure if she can make her into sushi.

Note: It is hard to say if it is because the siren seduces her or not, but with the restaurant’s survival on the line, Sara may have to choose between her family’s livelihood and the life of this being.

Cast and Characters

Sara (Vanille Velasquez) – The Lovers
Sirena (Dawn M. Bennett) – The Lovers

Sara (Vanille Velasquez)
Sirena (Dawn M. Bennett)

Review and Commentary

Who Is This For?

Those who enjoy interspecies romance, especially when it is between two women and the relationship starts with a power balance but potentially evolves into something tender, with an undercurrent of still being dangerous.

Highlight(s)

The Question Of Whether Sirena Was Seducing Sara Or Building A Relationship [83/100]

The key question throughout the short was whether Sirena cared or developed feelings for Sara, or was she simply a means to an end for her freedom? It’s easy to imagine, and justify, Sirena wanting to hurt or take advantage of the weakest link among her captors. After all, sirens are portrayed as predators, and becoming prey is not only foreign to them, but likely frightening.

However, Sara also appears to be a good person. This, for a predator like Sirena, could likely be sensed, and be something she could use to correct the imbalance of power. But without a weapon, and glass separating them, what could Sirena use beyond seduction?

That is when things get confusing with The Lovers. When Sirena bares her fangs or claws, is it to cause harm and get revenge on her captors? Is she actually more frightened than we give her credit for? Then, on the flip side, when she is kind and comes off loving, is it real? Just because seduction is a tool Sirena can use, it doesn’t mean she is using it against Sara, right?

At times you’re left confused what is real as you question what is Sara fantasizing, or is it Sirena’s trickery, and it leaves you constantly torn between wanting to fall for this interspecies relationship and realizing you might be getting duped as much as Sara. Ultimately showing how much seduction relies on the potential “victim” being willing to be seduced.

Overall

Our Rating (83/100): Positive (Worth Seeing)

It’s one thing for any animation to be eye-catching, as that is the goal across the medium. However, to make you think, make you feel, make you question characters, no different than you would live-action, that’s the prize. The Lovers does that as it focuses not only on the power dynamics between Sirena and Sara but also on the intention of Sirena. Leaving you longing for them to be true love but also recognizing Sirena’s species has survived by playing with the feelings and egos of humans, so why would Sara, or you, be treated any differently?