Self (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain.

2024 SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

A young, wooden woman finds herself among people that look and sound differently than her. As beautiful music pours from the people around her, she realizes just how different she is. It’s not long after that she makes the decision to wish upon a star–a wish that is more than she bargained for. Self tells a journey of sacrifice, one that we all make each and every day as we yearn to be something more. 

Disney and Pixar are known around the world for their stunning animated visuals–and Self will certainly not disappoint in this regard. However, it’s the sound design that will capture viewers’ attention, that will pull them into the film and allow them to feel something. In order for Self to thrive it has to develop an emotional connection with viewers. For the audiences that Self was specifically made for, it will most certainly do that–but the sound design, brought to life by Samuel Lehmer is what ultimately steals the show and will allow everyone to connect with the film. It manages to engulf viewers in everything from the sound itself to the scenery, allowing us to be one with our protagonist and become part of her journey. 

This is a different sort of Pixar short, as, again, it focuses on sound rather than the visuals (but don’t discount those visuals). However, it feels very derivative of many Disney projects that have come before. I know that Pixar isn’t technically Disney, but it exists in the same wheelhouse and is often considered synonymous with the Disney brand. Pieces of Pinocchio and The Little Mermaid are pulled into this narrative, and these things exist out in the open–as it seems that this team had no intention of hiding their source material. While the narrative still works, knowing that it comes from so many other things steals from it to a degree. 

I appreciate that Self continues its story throughout the entirety of the credits. Writer-Director Searit Kahsay Huluf uses every second of this film to get her point across, to express to her viewers why she’s here and what she believes her purpose is. Not a second is wasted, and in that regard Self is peak filmmaking. 

Self is most certainly a narrative that attempts to tackle the social and racial issues that plague the world in which we currently live–the things that live among us in the media. This is one of Disney’s many recent attempts to enter the woke zeitgeist and inform their fandom that they are here to promote change–even if they have to make a few dollars in the process. I am one of the biggest Disney fans that I know, but this is an aspect of their recent run that has baffled me, as something has sort of shifted in their overarching narrative. I can’t say that I hate the film for what it attempts to invoke, but it will most certainly be off putting for many viewers. Subtlety is key in regard to projects like Self, but subtlety isn’t achieved here. I truly believe that even with the visual and audible beauty that exists in this film, Self will struggle to find its way as a result of its quasi-aggressive message. 

Written & Directed by Searit Kahsay Huluf. 

Starring Searit Kahsay Huluf. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING