After losing their child in a tragic school shooting, “If Anything Happens I Love You” follows two grieving parents struggling to let go and move past this heartbreaking incident. This 12-minute film has beautiful imagery and a compelling story, keeping your teary eyes glued to the television.

Released Nov. 20, this Netflix short has sweet and simple animation, putting focus on the story rather than the graphics. Everything on the screen has deep meaning, but is still easy to comprehend, giving the film a poetic feel. Black silhouettes were incorporated into the film for foreshadowing and emotional appeal. The straightforwardness of the mute motion picture itself works wonders for the theme and moral of the story. 

Although the film is saddening, it is too short to evoke all possible emotions in viewers. The tragedy itself is very brief and fails to capture the true horror of the moment. Additionally, the first part of the short takes up a majority of the 12 minutes, which is unnecessary and slightly boring.

“If Anything Happens I Love You” may be one of the first films to succeed in capturing grief and pain within 12 short minutes. When a fleeting break comes your way, this film is worth crying to.