In the animated short In the Shadow of the Cypress, filmmakers Hossein Molayemi and Shirin Sohani tell the story of an older sea captain grappling with PTSD who lives a strained life with his teenage daughter. His unpredictable and sometimes violent behavior drives his daughter to seek safety and peace, ultimately deciding to leave. The captain, though devastated, understands her decision.
Before she gets far, the daughter discovers a beached whale near their seaside home. Initially hesitant, the captain and his daughter begin working together to save the stranded animal, using shovels and buckets to try and guide it back to the ocean. Despite their efforts, the situation appears hopeless. Overwhelmed, the captain gives up and walks away. Left alone, the daughter persists, driven by hope and determination.
“An older sea captain grappling with PTSD… lives a strained life with his teenage daughter.”
In the Shadow of the Cypress is a beautifully animated tale with simple shapes, flowing movements, and an entrancing soundtrack. However, the artistic direction may feel like a children’s book. The story and subject matter will simultaneously appeal to the whole family and skew toward adults.
I’ve encountered many stories about PTSD, and In the Shadow of the Cypress addresses the topic authentically. The captain grapples with the memories and vivid images of his war trauma, fighting to overcome the paralysis that his experiences have caused.
"…will simultaneously appeal to the whole family and skew toward adults."
