The 97th Academy Awards are rapidly approaching, and I’m under a lot of pressure to watch as many of the 2025 Oscar-nominated films as I can. Recently, I’ve been concentrating on the Best Animated Feature category, which I previously believed would be won by either “The Wild Robot” or “Flow“. However, my perspective has shifted after completing a movie marathon.
It appears I saved the best for last…
The top-notch animated movie from 2024 that left a lasting impression on me was an unexpected delight; a memory deeply etched within me and unlikely to fade quickly. Before I delve into my preference for the 2025 Oscar-nominated animated film that caught my eye, I’d like to share the story behind my choice.
The Wild Robot Was My Favorite For Months, But Then Flow Came Around And Left Me In Awe
Last autumn, I watched “The Wild Robot” with my daughter, and the DreamWorks animated movie truly left me astonished in numerous aspects. The heartwarming, fulfilling, and triumphant tale of a solitary robot discovering meaning in an unfamiliar world by nurturing a young gosling was unlike anything I’d encountered before. The animation, which seemed more like a dynamic watercolor painting than a typical 3D-animated film (as suggested in the movie’s trailer), was so distinctive, so invigorating, and so visually appealing that I have been drawn to screenshots since it became accessible with a Peacock subscription.
After viewing the film “Flow“, I found it regrettable that I watched it with my children due to various reasons. However, this Latvian animated fantasy is an intriguing and thoughtful examination of life, death, rebirth, and survival, as it follows a cat and other animals struggling against a mysterious flood. At times, the film was absolutely terrifying, but also stunningly beautiful. Crafted entirely using the free and open-source Blender software, this unique animated movie stands out among recent films in both animation and storytelling. I’m looking forward to rewatching it with my Max subscription soon.
Inside Out 2 And Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl Had Their Strengths, But Left Me Wanting More
On the last day of our summer family trip, I treated my children to the premiere of “Inside Out 2”. This film experience turned out to be one of the most delightful and therapeutic events of the entire year. The narrative of Riley Anderson navigating her shifting emotions, as her inner self struggles with change (introducing characters like Anxiety), was nothing short of amazing, poignant, humorous, and strikingly relatable. While the animation itself wasn’t revolutionary, it certainly complemented the story beautifully.
As a movie critic, I found myself captivated by its stunning visuals, reminiscent of Pixar’s finest works. However, unlike “The Wild Robot” or “Flow”, it failed to offer anything truly innovative. While it showcases technical mastery, it falls short in delivering the depth and originality that defines a work of art. Revisiting “Inside Out 2” on Disney+ last fall left me with the same sentiment about its visual spectacle.
In early 2025, when the Netflix subscription made available the stop-motion movie “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl,” I had a comparable experience. The intricately designed claymation effects captivated me this time, but the narrative didn’t resonate as deeply as stories like “The Wild Robot” or “Flow.” Despite enjoying how Gromit saved Wallace from Norbot and his troops of gnomes, it didn’t quite match up to my expectations.
Yet, a stop-motion animated film stood out among the rest, exceeding expectations. Let me share with you the one I adore most…
Memoir Of A Snail, With Its Stop-Motion Animation, Emotional Story, And Offbeat Tone Won Me Over
In 2024, I came across “Memoir of a Snail” at some point, but it slipped my mind until the Oscar nominees were revealed in January. Eventually, I watched Adam Elliott’s moving, comedic blend of tragedy and comedy that tackles heavy themes like death and loss with immense heart, raw emotion, and an odd dose of humor. This film had me shedding tears one second and laughing the next.
Focusing on Grace Pudel, a solitary individual who lost her twin brother after their father’s untimely death (their mother had passed away years earlier during childbirth), the film delves into a rich tapestry of feelings and life events. It presents a vivid portrayal of both the joys and hardships, the beautiful and the challenging, even the ordinary moments that make up life. As Grace reminisces about her past – from childhood to adolescence, and now adulthood – we witness the trials and triumphs she faced throughout these stages.
Similar to “The Wild Robot” and “Flow,” “Memoir of a Snail” daringly explores its narrative, delivers on its promises, and ticks off most of my boxes when it comes to movies hailed as “the best of the year.” It also shares some of the aspects I appreciated in “Inside Out 2” and “Vengeance Most Fowl,” while compensating for what those films lacked.
In Fact, Memoir Of A Snail Impacted Me More Than Pretty Much Any 2024 Movie
In the year 2024, I found myself immersed in numerous films. Many of them left an indelible mark on me, influencing me in various aspects. However, none affected me as profoundly as the movie titled “Memoir of a Snail“. Even after several days have passed since I watched Grace navigate her grief amidst a chaotic world, her journey continues to linger in my thoughts. I find myself reflecting on her experiences – both joyous and difficult – as well as her optimistic and practical outlook on life.
Much like the poignant exploration of illness and mortality in We Live in Time resonated with me deeply, this Academy Award-nominated short film masterfully conveyed a profound perspective on death, loss, and grief – viewing them not as negative entities, but as catalysts for reflection, growth, and transformation. Indeed, they stir within us pain and sorrow, yet they are also the crucibles that shape us into more empathetic, resilient, and well-rounded individuals in the grand scheme of things.
I won’t be too upset if “Memoir of a Snail” doesn’t win against either “The Wild Robot” or “Flow” at the 97th Academy Awards. However, I would be absolutely thrilled if this unique Australian stop-motion animation film pulls off an upset and takes home the award!
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2025-02-28 13:07