The Hangnail

About This Movie

The Hangnail is this strange little short from '99 that dives into a surreal moment of a boy's mundane life. The animation is surprisingly gritty, not what you'd expect in the realm of animation at the time. You get this uncomfortable vibe as he dismisses the dog, which really sets the tone for the whole piece—kind of dark, really. The graphic depiction of the hangnail is hard to shake off; it’s both absurd and visceral. It plays with themes of violence and neglect, which makes you think about the little things we overlook, and that pacing is just right for the punch it delivers. It's definitely not your average kids' fare. It sticks with you in a weird way.

Not for kids, definitely has a darker edge · Interesting use of practical effects in animation · Unique storytelling style with minimal dialogue