Starring: Devon Manney, Alexa Nikol Curran, Trevor Larson and Rosie Richards
Will’s struggles with prosthetic limbs and crippling phantom pains are relatable for the many soldiers who suffered similar injuries as a result of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This makes animation a perfect vessel for communicating the story as it is both universal and personal. The character of Will could tell the story of any of the 1,558 soldiers who endured major limb amputations as a result of conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan, reminding us of their collective sacrifice. However, the familial and personal nuances of Devon Manney’s film communicate the individuality of each soldier’s experience with respectful eloquence.
Throughout the film, there is a strong focus on hands; constant reminders of what Will has lost and the things he thinks he will never be able to do again. At first this focus is subtle. Will watches his wife, Rachel, tucking their daughter into bed. She hugs him and we see the realisation that he will never hold Rachel in same way that he used to. Soon the images of hands and gestures become overwhelming as our attention is unnaturally drawn to something we usually take for granted. Manney cleverly shows the issue of Will’s phantom pains through animation, communicating the agony in a way that can be almost felt by the viewer.
The difficulties of everyday life, from trying to connect with his wife and daughter to dealing with the loss of fellow soldiers, are explored within ‘Cradle’. The film touches on many aspects of a veteran’s world with great tenderness and care. In the final scene, Will holds his daughter. A seemingly simple act that evokes great emotion. Devon Manney has created a beautiful work that suggests hope for the future while also acknowledging the difficulties that may haunt a veteran for years to come.
More information is available at http://devonmanney.com/
‘Cradle’ is available to watch on YouTube…