This Post-Apocalyptic Animated Movie Deserves Another Look

As a seasoned aficionado of both animation and post-apocalyptic narratives, I can wholeheartedly say that 2009’s film 9 is an unsung gem that deserves a second look. It’s not every day you come across an animated movie that tackles the end of days with such style and substance, despite being overshadowed by its more commercially successful peers.

Animated cinema is a mixed bag. Like animated TV, it seems like a lot of outlets are still struggling to embrace the medium for varied and interesting projects outside the usual genres. Some of the most engaging horror, action, and science fiction films of the past few decades happen to be animated. It’s just that most of those entries either never come to theaters or struggle to turn a profit. Shane Acker’s 2009 film 9 is a great example, and it’s worth looking back to see what happened.

Over the past century, post-apocalyptic themes in media have continued to captivate audiences. The zombie trend from the late 2000s and early 2010s has mostly subsided, but the depiction of societal collapse remains a significant part of popular culture. Shows like “Sweet Tooth”, “Station Eleven”, “The Last of Us”, and endless variations of “The Walking Dead” have kept the post-apocalyptic genre alive in the 2020s. There’s no shortage of interpretations of a world coming to an end.

What is 9 about?

9 is set in a city devastated by a horrific rebellion led by machines, under the tyranny of a merciless ruler. A scientist, in desperation, constructs a device that brings destruction upon mankind, wiping out all life on Earth. However, the world does not lie barren; the same scientist performs a secret ritual to divide his soul into nine fragments and breathes life into nine ragdoll-like beings, named “Stitchpunks.” These dolls, each embodying a unique aspect of the scientist’s consciousness, are born amidst the ruins following humanity’s demise.

Who made 9?

9, primarily conceived by animator Shane Acker from Illinois, serves as his most renowned work. In the early 2000s, Acker was employed at Weta, contributing to The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. During this period, he also produced several short films. Among them, 9, his third known short film, took him almost five years to complete while he was a student at UCLA. Over this extended production period, the original concept of a three-minute stop-motion story transformed into over ten minutes of high-quality CGI content. This metamorphosis earned Acker a Student Academy Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short Film.

How was 9 received?

Regrettably, the movie titled “9” underperformed at the box office, managing only $48.4 million despite its budget of $30 million. Despite a captivating marketing strategy that included a Facebook page and website showcasing characters and lore from within the universe, the film didn’t see significant success. Critics were largely unforgiving, with “9” earning a 57% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While many praised its visuals, critics often criticized the film’s writing as falling short of its stylistic potential, with some labeling it more style over substance. Roger Ebert generally appreciated the project but emphasized that the film’s animation was its primary appeal. Those who did enjoy it at the time view it as an overlooked gem, with many expressing surprise at its lack of popularity.

15 years ago, the movie 9 may not have received the recognition it deserved, but today it remains a gripping spectacle that’s worth watching. It offers a chilling exploration of a bleak, post-apocalyptic future. Although it could have delved deeper into its dark history, it effectively conveys its message in a concise and engaging manner. You can stream 9 on Max or via premium subscriptions on Hulu, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, among other platforms.

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2024-08-05 21:04