Horror Short Film "Death and the Winemaker" | ALTER

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A young winemaker captures Death in a barrel, ignoring the consequences on the natural order of things.
"Death And The Winemaker (Le Vigneron et la Mort)" by Victor Jaquier
#ALTER #horror #shortfilm
Connect with the Filmmaker:
/ victorjaquier
www.victorjaqui...
More About "Death and the Winemaker":
A young winemaker creates a wine so exquisite, that even Death demands to taste it. As he learns the awful truth about his bride’s fate, he captures Death in a barrel, ignoring the consequences on the natural order of things.
"Death and the Winemaker" Credits:
CAST:
Kacey Mottet Klein as The Winemaker
Virginie Meisterhans as Death
Jean-Claude Dreyfus as Mathilde’s Father
Jacques Roman as The Aged Winemaker
Séverine Bujard as Aged Mathilde
Stéphanie Schneider as The Little Girl
Marie-Claire Dubois as Young Mathilde
CREW:
Written and directed by Victor Jaquier
Produced by Arnaud S. Gantenbein
Music by Kevin Queille
Assistant Director Jonas Haider
Foley Artist and Sound Editor Jean-Noël Yven
Animators: Jonas Haider, Borja Montoro, Manuel Galiana, Sunshine Burri, Ylmaz Spyczak, Igor Neïman, Valérie Juillard, Vladimir Meylan, Jordi Murillo, Babak Arjmand, Reyhaneh Mirhashemi, Siavash Hashemzadeh, Ali Honarpour,
Ronaldo Canfora, Nathaniel Cruz, Santiago Velez, Olivia Pellicer, Wilson Henrique Vesco, Carlos Yury
Clean-up artists: Igor Neïman, Mahshad Sanati, Tatyana Onyushkina, Guy Shimron, Federica Franceschini, Pedram Taghavi, Josua Rival, Line Skroeder, Stefani Kuon, Leonardo Gangini
Storyboard : Emilie sengelin
Background artist: Victor Jaquier
Compositing: Aurélien Malagoli
Compositing Assistant: Nathan Hamrani
Colorization Assistant: Elodie Anglade
Colorist: Thibaud Maury
Editing Assistant: Pascal Millet Rivero
Written by Victor jaquier
Based on the Swiss Traditional Tale Le Vigneron et la mort
Dialogue Writer: Damien Mazza
Voice Casting By Anne thorens
Music by Kevin Queille
Orchestration: Jay-Alan Miller
Violin: Eléonore Giroud
Alto: Déborah Sauboua
Cello: Fanny Balestro
Recording: Studio du Flon / Victor Colelough
Celtic Harp: Alessia Lepori
Lyrical Singer: Olivia Peccoud
Recording: White Room Studio / Kevin Queille
Strings Ensemble: FAME'S Orchestra
Conducted by: Oleg Kondratenko
Recording: FAME’S recording stage / Aude Nassieu-Maupas
IMAGINASTUDIO
Producer: Arnaud S. Gantenbein
Executive Producer: Pascal Forney
Production Assistant: Théo Donatantonio
Legal Advisor: Julien RouVinez | kellerhals carrard
accounting: sebastien musy
Crowdfunding Coordination: romain christinaz
Making Of: julia reyne, fabian goupil
A co-production with
La radio télévision suisse (RTS) unité fiction | Izabela Rieben
With the participation of
l'Office fédéral de la culture (OFC), Cinéforom , Loterie Romande,
la Fondation Casino Barrière de Montreux
and the generous support of Bérengère Primat
LES VINS DU VALAIS
Internship supported by
STAGE POOL FOCAL / Fondation Ernst Göhner
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Video Title
/ watchalter

[@kreaturs7564]

I love that the artist chose to hollow out Death's abodomen to depict the lack of a womb and therefore the absensce of life. Such an awesome gory detail that just adds to the overall eeriness of the character!

[@kellywalker1664]

She's also giving off some serious Peter Brugel vibes.

[@peterdebures9784]

Womb in physical or spiritual meaning.? Becouse only through woman ( woman in mankind) we are born from Adam. EVOLUTION. Eve. Or they call it resurrection through christ or Osiris. Thats why every ship used to have hour glass. Reckoning time

[@THI_EXTERNAL]

MAYBE IT WAS NOT?!.......just to make it look more death...ly?

[@defshepard]

Agreed, very good point there.

[@donaldhysa4836]

@@justciel5969 She also has no breasts. So she doesn't give life, nor nourish life. She is an absence of life, if you will.

[@victorjaquier]

Hi everyone, i'm the writer/director of Death and the Winemaker. Many thanks to everyone that has taken the time to watch and comment! I've been working for years on this film so this means a lot. I also want to thank all the cast & crew 🖤 that helped me to reimagine this traditional Swiss tale (where the movie was produced) Feel free to ask any questions! Hope you enjoy the movie! ✨ (and if you like it please share the link around!)

[@liliansgnr1705]

Hi, i'm french too but you know, for those who read... First congratulation it's an amazing work, it's rare to see an animation of this quality. The designs of death is amazing, the soundtrack choice is also really good. It's a masterpiece. I was wondering, how much time did it takes to complete this project ? From the beginning to the publication ? once again : amazing job here.

[@liliansgnr1705]

The story shape reminds me a lot of the "fable de la fontaine" dit that inspire you ?

[@victorjaquier]

​@@liliansgnr1705 Hi Lilian, thank you very much! I had a hard time to find the right design for Death, in fact it is just before the start of the production that i decided to picture Death as a woman, with this kind of eerie and almost half comforting half creepy voice. It took 2 full years to create the movie during the production phase. But before those two years, there was a long development, i had to alternate month of work on the development, script and designs, and then month of waiting for answers from the financing funds in Switzerland and France. So the whole process, from development to the festival release, took 7 years.

[@victorjaquier]

@@liliansgnr1705 I was not inspired by Les Fables de la Fontaine in particular, but more by Grimm's fairytale and also Andersen stories, that have all sad endings in their original forms. But the main inspiration is the original Death and the Winemaker Swiss tale, that is a very short tale. So this was a great opportunity to bring this quite unknown story to the screen and to add a lot of layers to it.

[@jamescurfman3284]

This was REALLY GREAT story-telling! I love it! You did VERY well! Congratulations! :)

[@rhexieleelafuente4271]

When Death started taking everyone's life, I initially thought it was because the people who weren't supposed to exist existed, like the winemaker's offsprings since Death was supposed to take his lover when he met her. I thought Death was not drunk with rage but she's only putting everyone in their place. But when the Winemaker said so, it was also a good way of saying that every action will always have consequences.

[@Rubeolda]

I think she isn't being spiteful or furious in doing this but as she said she had a lot of work to catch on and what's the best way of catching up with decades of missed work than unleashing a plague which sweeps through the humans? In a sense she is angry with the Winemaker that's why she doesn't grant him death and have to live with the consequences of eternity.

[@nathanlamberth7631]

All that talk about being impartial and yet she’s taken by rage. At least she is impartial in her rage.

[@TinyGrim-vx1lu]

Fate .

[@anoukdevries8144]

@@nathanlamberth7631 Now you might already get all this, but I tough it was interesting to mention anyway. Modern mythology depicts god, Jesus, and angels as perfect beings. The devil and demons are perfectly evil. But death in this story isn't supposed to be like them. She is supposed to be like the old gods of mythology. Nature was considered imperfect and emotional, and so were the gods of mythology. They were forces of nature doing their job but also very much human. Death's narcissistic talk about how she should judge the wine because she is the most impartial and powerful being is supposed to be part of her imperfection, her humanness. She is a force of nature you shouldn't mess with, not a perfect divine being you should blindly trust or derive your morals from.

[@sharikadefreitas4625]

@@Rubeolda I agree. I don't think it was rage - it was catch up. In fact, I'd say she just ran a 'bulk update'.

[@jaxofspades549]

I love how, after being freed and the winemaker is old and decrepit, Death still calls him ‘young winemaker’. She is reminding him just how small his life is, compared to how long she has existed

[@Sean_Connery]

I see it as a reference to how young he is in comparison to his new eternal never ending life on earth.

[@esrarengiztayfa3090]

​@@Sean_Connery that's genius

[@grimreaper2301]

I know its part of the story, but realistically exactly what was stopping death from breaking out of the wine barrel or better yet just teleport out of it to begin with? That’s what i dont get, death can grow to the size of a giant, unleash plagues, and snuff out life itself with her mere presence, exactly what was stopping her from leaving the wine barrel that whole time!

[@Random_Wierdo.]

@@grimreaper2301 i’d like to think of it as a test. I mean she could do all these crazy stuff with her powers, but why show him that his lover is going to die and most of all why want to taste his wine when he isn’t even famous yet? I believe it was all a test.

[@theheroineseven]

@Random Nobody It begs the question of what would have happened had he just let Death taste the wine or if he asked her straight to spare his beloved if she liked it.

[@stuartspiker732]

I like stories like this, like Death is not evil or good, but a necessary event. The ones who try to cheat or control death are normally punished by not being allowed to die. Which seems good at first, but not in the long run.

[@ninjablaze6665]

Yeah true. Immortality "Can" be good if you want to live forever, but most of us don't consider the disadvantages of having this kind of power, like growing old, feeling the pain forever even if the wound is fatal that you will still feel the pain, being vulnerable to sickness. Death is a necessity to all that lives and breathes because it's what ends our life where it should end and being invulnerable to any kind of pain or illness that dying seems like the better option than feeling the pain.

[@lionelwhiskerknot]

@@ninjablaze6665 I don't think the mortal mind could deal with immortality in a civilized world if you were the only immortal in it even if your body remained young. You would have to watch family and friends die, to never be with them again. In addition change would destroy everything you hold dear. Your quaint town could become a cesspool crime ridden city. Your favorite restaurant put out of business and replaced with a Starbucks. Pollution. Devastation. Growing population and immorality. You could perhaps change some people's lives for the better but you can not be in two places at once and someone somewhere will be jealous of you and work to destroy all that you have made. I think the mortal mind could only handle immortality if in a more primal setting like a log cabin in a great forest if that setting could remain untouched. But if humanity exists then eventually even that forest's days may be numbered in the long run and you will find yourself trapped by events outside your reach and control.

[@deniedprosperity4144]

I hope those puss in boots last wish fans don't come commenting about death I saw about 5 of them talking about it otherwise can't stop them- though this short film is so GOOD!

[@animebrat76]

It is a curse to live, it is a blessing to die.

[@lionelwhiskerknot]

@@deniedprosperity4144 I haven't seen movie yet but kind of guessed it given the wolf's weapons and well.... Nature of the kitty's quest.

[@overkillkiller]

The part where he tricked her into becoming small sent shivers through my spine, as i realized what he was doing and the consequences of it. This was a great short film.

[@AllyOJustice]

@@grenade8572 and the legend of the Russian Soldier, it's a classic.

[@White_Night_Demon]

im surprised death didnt just blow the barrel up by expanding herself and then jacking the fool

[@AmazonGomez-z3m]

My only thing is how did the pope try the wine 🍷 if he never reopened it?

[@overkillkiller]

@@AmazonGomez-z3m at around 5m 41s, he grabs a small bottle, which is what he gives to the pope

[@White_Night_Demon]

where my comment

[@LeastInsaneUtsu-PFan]

I love Deaths voice. It is so soothing and yet so unsettling. She speaks like someone of great importance and grace, but you are also horrified with both her physical appearance of an emaciated woman, as well as her role as Death. And her lack of reproductive organs solidifies that she is the absence of life- that is, life before birth. Beautiful story.

[@spicysalad3013]

emaciated, not emancipated

[@gregorylagrange]

Death looks like she's been dead a while. That simple.

[@gamerdweebentertainment1616]

All she had to do is prove power, proceeds to go into wine tank as a scorpion... :(

[@notlisztening9821]

Reminds me of the character league of legends has invented to represent death: kindred. Voicelines so beautiful, you tear up when listening to them. (Can be found on youtube by searching "kindred voicelines")

[@genesischarles5846]

I love this movie it's really interesting to watch ....🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@midgerm]

ya gotta respect him in a way though, his lover said she was tired of living and WANTED to die, so he went and granted her request, he didnt force her to stay any longer

[@starrysky-pie]

wow .. he's so admirable for doing that, instead of trying to show her the beauty of life.

[@midgerm]

@@starrysky-pie she was old, tired, weak and just plain tired of life, she had undoubetdly seen the 'beuty of life' as you put it, but was tired of it and wanted rest

[@starrysky-pie]

@@midgerm ohh okay

[@wildfire9280]

Tired of living, but not scared of dying. Old man river could learn a thing or two..

[@ryanteng152]

I love how Death flexes how powerful she is to him and his response was to trap her in a wooden barrel.

[@tokyomilmil]

That’s understandable. He knows Death is coming after his love. He needs to do something ASAP 😂

[@vicenteisaaclopezvaldez2450]

The depiction of death in this one is amazing, a quiet, soft, humble visage that still towers over humanity, free from pretention. A ghastly portrayal for a force of nature.

[@woulfhound]

Except Victor decided to portray death as a woman. Which is odd, considering women are typically known for bearing children, creating life, not ending it.

[@fossa4259]

The visuals near the end of death looming over the city were incredible

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you, I had a blast working on this shot 💀

[@deniedprosperity4144]

@@victorjaquier Ooly' the real Victor Jaquier replied to the comment, you're an amazing artist!!!

[@cartooncritique6625]

Metal asf! 💀

[@jadeesquijo92]

​@@victorjaquier thank u for giving us such an amazing spectacle!

[@LokeshKumar-07]

@@victorjaquier indeed, that was amazing I watched that part 3-4 times

[@phoenix05892]

I really like the detail that in the end, the winemaker says "Death, drunk with rage, spread a plague that took the lives of everyone in its path, whether their time had come or not." To me, it shows that the winemaker still has not entirely learned his lesson, what he did caused people to not die, but those people still grew and created families of their own, as seen with the winemaker having children with the girl that was supposed to die young. It shows just how much chaos the winemaker had caused because Death now not only has to go after people who were supposed to die early on but people who were never meant to exist.

[@Crafted_DreamScapes]

I have to say, I really love how Death presented herself from the rats ... Which we all know rats carried the fleas that carried the Bubonic Plague. All the little details that snap together, including the lack of the womb in Death, very well done!

[@girl1213]

The fact also that she keeps people alive though shows that even in her wrath, she cannot completely wipe out the human race. Because without Life, she wouldn't be Death. That's why there are survivors even among the victims of the Bubonic Plague, or the Black Death. Their survival leads to immunity against the disease and eventually allow medicine to leap forward to cure it. But in this case, keeping the Winemaker alive so he can spread his message about not respecting Death is what will eventually cause the plague to end. In sharing his story, he is the immunity and growth that they need now, which is why he's the Plague Doctor. It'll never stop Death, but it will eventually calm her.

[@Pip8448]

I also liked that the death character had no womb, no living potential. Also she had no eyes, because the eyes are the windows of the soul, and she was soulless. Also the fact that the death character was female, forewarned of the coming wrath if you crossed her. "Hell hath no fury..." as they say.

[@glasscardproductions4736]

​@@Pip8448 Well, Death was typically represented as a woman when the skeletal details became popular in medieval Europe.

[@ni5439]

​@@Pip8448In Latin languages (i e. French used in this short film) the article that accompanies death is usually female, as they are gendered languages

[@Pip8448]

@@ni5439 I didn't say she was not. The first paragraph I used them/them for the position/job of Death, then for the rest I used she/her for this particular iteration of Death.

[@Ozarka0]

I was expecting to be frightened. But honestly, I was just in tears by the end. This isn't a horror story. It's a tragedy...

[@anastasiakrieger8822]

The guy tried to get rid of deathdo evil who is immortal to get the girl to marry him as wife so he got his karma

[@davcritic-8qo7]

Are you sure cause that Death Lady awakening from 7:30 was quite creepy!!😱 Especially the part when she reap an entire city of people even those who aren't supposed to be gone already like children!

[@Aleebi]

​​@@davcritic-8qo7those people arent supposed to be alive. their parents wouldve died long ago, but death was stuck in the barrel. its generations of false existences basically.

[@aazhie]

Yes, I would consider it a cautionary tale, in the sense of horrific consequences, but not what many consider pure horror. It is more the horror of confronting mortality

[@miahofficial1908]

@@davcritic-8qo7naw 13:36 was WAYYY CREEPIER

[@concept5631]

1:32 I like how behind his cold stoicism, the Plaguedoctor is barely holding it together and staying strong for the girl.

[@rmraines]

I'm speechless-this is such a well-done film: the story is magnificent; the animation is smooth; and the historical side of the Black Death is such an amazing twist!

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you very much!

[@rebeccalopez658]

@@victorjaquier Mathilde is so beautiful and her beauty is beyond this world she’s from heaven

[@returnofthegoth2220]

This is beautiful. Wonderful animation and art design, wonderful direction, soulful acting, soaring score, timeless tale. This may be the most beautiful short I have ever seen, on this channel or otherwise.

[@annerabineau1782]

C'est super! Ce commentaire est vraiment bien!!!

[@annerabineau1782]

J'ai envie de plerer

[@annerabineau1782]

J'ai envie de pleurer tellement c'est beau !

[@dare_challenge_a_god1536]

Let’s get some wine

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you very much 🥲

[@shgurr]

Now this, this is CINEMA

[@iamupdating]

im subscribed to u i love ur conent

[@naughtyUphillboy]

True, you stole my words.

[@emeraldtabbycat148]

Death is not the enemy. But a friend who comes to free you from a life you are no longer able to suffer.

[@zerox23454]

That's very true my friend they always want to see the bad of death but I never see the good 🤔

[@emeraldtabbycat148]

@@zerox23454 Death is a neutral entity. It comes when it's time. No sooner, no later. Forcing it's hand worsens the timetable by which Death operates.

[@zerox23454]

@@emeraldtabbycat148 you're right my friend that is very true 🤔

[@emeraldtabbycat148]

@@zerox23454 Glad to hear.

[@Durahan82]

Life is suffering.

[@STheRoyal]

I won't even call it a horror movie rather a tragedy but so beautifully done .

[@team10leader1]

11:10-11:56 Everything about this scene is so cinematic! First, it feels like each event marks a chapter in the Winemaker and the wife's lives. From their wedding to starting a family all the way down to growing old together, each memory is a milestone. Second, the way the camera pans out to each picture, it feels as though "framing" how one's youth seems distant the longer you live. To remember earlier memories is like discerning a painting within a photo within a picture. Lastly, there's how the clock book-ends the good times, as though reminding the viewer and the Winemaker that even though he stopped death, he could not stop time from marching on.

[@victorjaquier]

I'm glad you liked this shot! It took a lot of time to create, especially for the motion designer in charge of the compositing.

[@umaratadebibliotecaqualque3487]

Kmpnp0i

[@marveluzz]

That's indeed genius shot!

[@yovaalvarado9773]

I absolutely loved this too, specially that reference to Jan Van Eyck painting ‘Les Époux Arnolfini’ even the little portrait in the back wall. Chapeau!

[@dulldagger]

@@victorjaquierwhat is the original painting you took a reference from? cuz that painting looks very familiar

[@sysghost]

Death was never really trapped in the barrel. Just look how death obliterated the barrel itself as if the plug itself made no difference. Maybe Death just played along to show the winemaker the terrible price of what he thought he did.

[@Vergil_sparda1987]

wdym?

[@skd6202]

I was thinking the same. For literally death incarnated to be confined in a barrel, it doesn't make any sense otherwise

[@VinnyMartello]

Makes perfect sense. She had the power to leave the barrel whenever she wanted.

[@arthurchen6464]

@@VinnyMartello It was just her excuse to slack off for a couple hundred years while slowly drinking good wine.

[@VinnyMartello]

@@arthurchen6464 hahaha good point

[@neroham93]

The man managed to make the most impartial judge in the world blind with rage

[@philigrane1528]

Proof that wine and alcohol in general can cloud the best judgement

[@marcussythemonkeyman]

The body trying to twist and pivoting as she becomes a skeleton with nothing to stop her, the animation, the music, the sentimentality, and the enchantment are all hauntingly beautiful. She also has the absolute desolate allure of death. Because anybody who cheats death will suffer the consequences of eternity, I adore the colossal figure she grows and how majestic her ghastly wrath she displays. The winemaker wanders the world isolated and without anyone. One of this short horror film's most interesting moments was seeing the world slowly fall apart. Stunning, lovely, and simply outstanding. Congratulations to all involved in bringing this masterpiece to life.

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you very much!

[@jacobcox4565]

SPOILERS! Don't click read more if you don't want the ending spoiled. I love how the Winemaker's design foreshadows the twist at the end, his nose being long and pointed like a Plague Doctor's mask.

[@elizabethcollins9815]

It happened when my grandmother passed away in January 30th because she has cancer on her gallbladder, the doctors remove it but the cancer spreading her body even her jaws was swollen. It broke my heart when she died, but I had to move on to get over my grief of her. She believed in God.

[@lenart-dvlsml]

In this story maybe he was the person who created that design but in reality that mask has that form for a more painfull and sadly reason.

[@miyacobertok260]

More like a crow. The crows are the heralds of death

[@jacobcox4565]

@@miyacobertok260 The Winemaker has a long hooked nose because it's meant to look like a plague doctor mask. Plague doctors had masks with beak-like noses to fill with flowers and herbs because the fragrances were thought to stop the diseased miasma from entering the body through the nose.

[@elizabethcollins9815]

@@miyacobertok260 true

[@themiocompare3728]

I love this short film. I like to imagine a different scene in the end. I imagine the winemaker accusing death of not being as impartial as she claimed to be, because she was unleashing her fury on innocents instead of punishing the only one responsible, and death coming out with some badass line like "but I am in fact punishing you".

[@Phantanos]

This adaptation is a wonderfully executed visual work of art. The depiction of La Mort is of terrifying beauty. Her soft voice beckons you near to her. The angles in which it was filmed expose a depth of great detail. There a remnant of the style of the late Moebius in the story illustration quality. I shared this with some horror host friends and they were in awe of your Masterpiece.

[@victorjaquier]

Thanks a lot for sharing the movie ! And thank you for the Moebius comparison, I'm a huge fan.

[@Galendramatik]

Awesome short film. At first I was expecting the whole ordeal to be fake, a display of Death's power beyond 'size', imagine that. Just after Death comes out of the barrel and spreads her plague, the winemaker suddenly awakes in the same wagon of hay where he first started, and Death says: "Do you believe in my power now?" That would've been dope. Either way, I love this stuff.

[@jamescurfman3284]

Except that they are talking about one of the plagues that actually did sweep Europe IRL. Since that really happened, then in the tale it could never have simply been the Winemaker's imagination or telepathy with Death that made it possible for him to see. In a perfect world, this would not have happened at all but in a second, nearly-perfect world that could have turned out better, the story could have been different. The Winemaker could have sought a deal of Death before allowing her to drink freely. If Death wanted a taste so badly, the Winemaker could have simply asked her to hold off and wait for a number of years before taking his life or that of Mathilde, to let them have a family together. Certainly his wine could have nudged Death into simply waiting for a bit, right? Especially if she allowed him to keep making wine and give her some every year. Sadly, that is not the world we live in. Obviously the tale arose after the beginning of the plague.

[@Galendramatik]

Clearly the tale is about the plague yes, but I am speaking about what I imagined as I first saw the short film.

[@AbstractQueer]

@WhyUsername? Yea, I was wondering why, if she's so powerful, was she unable to escape the barrel? Was it intentional?

[@nathanaelmaugre7824]

@WhyUsername? Well Osiris also fell for it so no one is safe^^

[@Kamishiiyo]

​@WhyUsername? I believe she willingly let him lock her up. She knew he was looking for someone, and when he asked if she knew about his wine she laughs as to say "i know way more than that" she showed him his lover on the hourglass on purpose, telling him she was coming to take her, he told her to show him power more than size and she went inside the barrel. The smallest size possible, Her absense, showed how powerfull she was. Without her they were all miserable, as at the same time they feared her.

[@Florin_tea]

The look on the winemaker at the end show a deep regret. The biggest punishment death could give him is to keep him alive. A great story with deep meaning❤❤❤

[@brimstoneclub]

I ove how the film subtlely describe's Death's true role as balance. The winemaker's wife was supposed to die, but she had children. That is imbalance. When the winemaker says "she came for all, whether it was their time or not" might have been a refernce to his children who were not supposed to exist.

[@BabyCalypso]

oh wow yeah. she not only had to get those who's time had come but all those who were born from those who got to cheat death as they're not supposed to exist.

[@raphaelledesma9393]

I see. So the plague culled the population of people who were not meant to have life in death's plans. But then hmm, the girl's mother died but the girl is implied to continue living. That throws a wrench into that idea.

[@woulfhound]

That sounds fatalistic.

[@smol_angr_void7224]

I love trickster tales, and seeing this one brought to life in such a beautiful and fluid animation is delightful! It's so soulful and all of the parallels are amazing: The winemaker's nose being pale and pointed like a plague doctor's mask, Death appearing out of rats, which are associated with the plague. When meeting the winemaker, Death transforms into both a large, overwhelming form, and a small form that kills whatever it attacks - both apects of the plague. Wonderfully done to everyone involved!

[@TheAllSeeingEye2468]

Why am i only discovering this now? How much more beautiful animation am i missing because KZbin doesn't recommend me it and there's no advertisement for it?

[@kboid5919]

I love how you showed Death in this movie. Especially her reaction to a betrayal once she got freed. She wasn't showing any emotion. It was cold. Just like death is supposed to be. Bravo.

[@anthonywheeler2082]

This is a modern classic horror story. One of the best short films i've ever seen!

[@JHjh88]

Agreed!🙂

[@Halah979]

This shows how consequences to ones actions are not always immediate

[@jae_vee]

The animation on this is genuinely spectacular. I love that this channel features so many talents, cultures and mediums of art. The whole aura of this is beautiful. And I love the designs. The comedy of the father and the castle having their face but the absolute despairing beauty of death; her body contorting and shifting as she is but a skeleton with nothing holding her back. I love the gargantuan form she takes and how beautiful her rage is. The concept is also so interesting and wonderful. I love that this is the origin of the plague and it makes sense that the doctor would be the one who does not fear death and sickness for he is doomed to never die.

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you! This is also a big part of why i loved the original Swiss tale, when we realize that this is in fact about the origin of the plague 💀

[@purnimagaur6825]

Pls explain me after death meets winemaker.. I didn't understand why he opened the barrel again which he buried.

[@kevinkinne7119]

@@purnimagaur6825 He tragically realized that eternal life, without eternal youth, was the ultimate curse. His wife grew so old that she could no longer enjoy life. I think that he assumed that upon her release from the barrel, Death would simply return the cycle of life and death to its natural order and allow his wife to pass on naturally. He forgot just how terrifying Death was, especially a vengeful Death.

[@purnimagaur6825]

@@kevinkinne7119 thanks for the explanation.. Kevin!

[@user-pk5gk4wo6h]

This was amazing. I love how it showed the beauty and importance of death and how death is inevitable. Additionally it shows how death does not care how old, how young, how important or how unimportant they are death comes for us all

[@JérilionDante]

Il n'y a qu'un seul défaut dans les courts-métrages, ce n'est jamais assez long tellement c'est bien. Splendide.

[@RolloDescendant]

There is nothing I can say to express how phenomenal this art truly is. The line between horrifying and beautiful is such a difficult balance so rarely pulled off that when talented artists are able to do so, all the senses are tickled in just the right way. The story, the pacing, the camera framing, the voice acting, the music and sound design, the characters, and everything. Just everything was perfect. We are witnessing the work of a visionary.

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you very much 🙏✨

[@rocket7967]

Horror & Romance it's called Lust

[@violentdreams96]

I was not expecting this to be so beautiful. Easily one of the best short films in this channel.

[@kellymoore5517]

Even though I know it's a literal impossibility for death to be bottled up in a simple wooden cask, the ending gave me chills. Tying the story and moral and fantastical consequence together in a neat bow.

[@Jibaro92]

I love how death underestimates the winemaker just like he underestimates her. un cerveau absolument génial

Je me demande si la Mort a vraiment sous-estimé le vigneron ou si elle n'a que joué avec lui. La Mort est une puissance cosmique bien plus âgée que l'humanité. Quand elle a choisi la forme d'un scorpion pour lui montrer la versatilité de son pouvoir, j'imagine qu'elle savait ce qu'il prétendait. Elle l'a fait quand même. La leçon est que les hommes, malgré leur intelligence, leur courage et leur puissance, ne pourront jamais faire face à l'arrivée inexorable de la Mort.

[@feign_]

french are so SEXC

[@tangentwhisper1486]

It plays out like a classic folktale, and is beautifully orchestrated in every scene. Well done! Well done!

[@seanvanderstruys5196]

Well said. I agree .

[@noyou9379]

I have to say that is a really nice twist on an old story. Most stories tend to focus on tricking Death in one way or another but I think this is the first I have come across that goes into the rage caused the plague.

[@Frenchylikeshikes]

Indeed he forgot that eternal life does not mean eternal youth.

[@othnielkingsley7289]

a very interesting insight

[@sangbum60090]

Reminds me of Greek legend of Tithonos

[@ΜαριαΜαστραγγελη-ο7μ]

True. In addition he will be alone forever because everyone is dying. He lived happily ONCE but with the thought of his cruelty. What he did was smart but he should have thought about the consequences of such an action, trapping death for over 50 years...

[@filia_autem_draconis613]

Idk if it was intended or not but a thing that i really liked is Mathilde's face forming into a smile when she died cause of the form of a human skull and jaw

[@doctorkazoo]

This is my new favorite animation. So glad it didn't shy away from the gore or horror or adult themes. Maybe the best bit of animation since Watershed Down. That covers a lot of years! Beautifully crafted. Thanks!

[@Gaaraloverr1]

This reminds me of those old wives’ tales or a story from a Brothers Grimm collection. Something about an all-powerful entity being trapped in a wine barrel makes little sense logically but does wonders for the short’s imagery and symbolism. Absolutely stunning! 🥰

[@scrapper3494]

Death entered the barrel willingly to taste the Winemaker's wine, so the fact that she entered there willingly might be what prevented her from leaving. Legends of pacts with the Devil or with the Fae or of wishes with genies often include this element - those bound by the contract have to agree to it of their own free will.

[@ashramjathan4258]

The storyteller: old Russian tale called the Soldier and Death. The soldier traps death in a sack

[@TheRhuen]

It is an oddly repeating theme to trap something even as powerful as death. In Greek mythology there is a story of Thanotos , the actual god of death , being trapped, and because of this no one could die.

[@FabricioDrk]

There's also an old English folktale were a guy traps the devil itself. The devil comes for his soul, but the guy asks the devil to turn into a coin, to pay for his last drink, he then puts the coin in his wallet, trapping it.

[@Greendalewitch]

@@TheRhuen Yes. The Gods only intervened because Ares became angry that no one was dying in wars any more.

[@baronrodds7904]

I cant wait for the next animated short story by this director. Truly is a great director and storyteller. I absolutely love the fact that it wasn't dubbed over in English by keeping the original French dialog

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you very much! I'm developing new projets, I hope to be in production very soon!

[@docholiday2538]

@@victorjaquier I thought it was very good, but as an American (most KZbin viewers are) i would love the option of it being dubbed in English. Not trying to argue against the original, just putting out a viewpoint.

[@victorjaquier]

​@@docholiday2538 I wish we could have money for an English dubbed version! The budget was very tight so we were able to record only the French original version.

[@seanvanderstruys5196]

​@@victorjaquierwe have subtitles, that's good enough for me. It didn't take anything away from the wonderful story.

[@chuckmaurice7493]

@@docholiday2538 "..but as an American (most KZbin viewers are).." Really? Don't you mean english-speaking rather?

[@BeatchBall]

This animation has more heart and soul in one minute of animation than anything Disney has put out in the last ten years. Well done.

[@Ziibaah]

Oh please. You can appreciate this work without talking down on other works put out by Disney.

[@BeatchBall]

@@Ziibaah Disney is renowned as being the king of animation. And for the most part, they every right to be. Like many, I grew up with Disney's animated theatrical films. They hold a special place in my heart. However, the quality of their films has gone down in recent years. If I "talk down" to their works, it's only because I love and respect what they've done in the past so much that I expect better then what they've done recently. By comparing "Death and the Winemaker" to Disney's latest films, I am not only criticizing Disney. I am also praising this animation as being as good as when Disney was at their top game.

[@pensandshakers]

@@BeatchBall Agreed. I haven't loved Disney's artistry in animation since they switched to 3D modeling, but this is easily on par with Sleeping Beauty for the detailed backgrounds and the gorgeous character design. I love how the winemaker's nose foreshadows his plague doctor mask, and how Death's face and ribs are so well blended with her flesh. It would have been easy to make her just a skeleton, or to hood her in dark robes, but they went a different route. And they don't shy away from the ugliness of aging and disease either. Even in classic Disney, everything was made to be the most beautiful version of itself, but I love the realism of the aged winemaker and Mathilde, and the horror of Death's wrath.

[@dolphinswilltakeover]

There’s always gonna be that one negative person

[@Sean_Connery]

@@Ziibaah most of Disney’s box office failures have come out in the last few years, he is not wrong to put Disney down as they placed themselves in this situation adhering to blackrock’s progressive standards above quality talent and heart behind their projects.

[@dimitrimusialek6249]

I simply love the voice acting of Death, her voice is fiting perfectly with the disgne of the character and i legit could see that voice in movies like lord of the ring as Lady Galadriel

[@MsSarinakg]

Amazing - I love the homage to the historical mask worn by those treating the sick during plague times, and the implied reason for its shape. This was interesting, gripping and sad all at the same time. I loved it. Thank you🖤

[@tempest5005]

I don't usually comment but this was absolutely breathtaking. From the animation to the voice acting and story, everything was perfect.

[@victorjaquier]

Thank you very much!

[@joferbrasil]

That was one of the best stories about The Death I've ever seen! Congratulations.

[@nuneseth]

What a masterpiece. The story, the characters, the Death, so beautiful as terrible and powerful. The voices.. everything here is a masterpiece.

[@AwokenEntertainment]

everybody has a time, when it's here all you can do is accept it..

[@lextavactchi]

I love films that have death as a necessary, not evil, force. Any personification is adored too, but Final Destination type movies are also lovely. I view death itself as peaceful, not the ways people can end up dying since a lot can include suffering of some sort, but just being freed.

[@Knowie117]

Hearing this spoken in French made this story feel like an old fable that a darker version of Disney would make back then. One where there is the good seen initially, then comes the fall, the dark times, but a little sliver of hope in the end with the Winemaker trying to make up for what he had done. Overall though, it's a beautiful story about how the road to evil is paved with good intentions.

[@mewthicus]

I think that was more sad than horrific. Interesting take on the bubonic plague, though.

[@jeremysutherlin3803]

Reminds me a little of the Russian folktale "The Soldier and Death" with the common theme of capturing death in a container and having to suffer similar consequences. Very cool to see and very beautifully animated.

[@themug406]

Thats what it was based on

[@PeterSnores]

I like the design choice they did with Death's hair, a reimagined cloak, and I'm not sure if it's intended but I'm assuming the reason she was bald coming out of the barrel was because of how long she was absent so she hung up her work uniform lol

[@caroxoxo]

the character design of death ….the fluid animation … the MUSIC … i’m obsessed

[@observationsfromthefencepo7207]

Oh my. This is stunning and hauntingly beautiful. Man since the dawn of time has sought youth and way to cheat desth. Legends give us the fountain of youth. We have anti-aging cream, we hold on, we fight, we have cytogenetic holding places, and yet we know death is part of the process we will all face. The animation was dark and yet moving. That shot coming out of the pictures was impressive. I realized I was holding my breath through much of it. This was fantastic work. Thank you to all involved. It was deep, compelling, and a pleasure to watch and behold. I can take a deep breath now. Peace.

[@victorjaquier]

Thanks a lot! I'm always glad when the story resonates!

[@G0LD0GG09]

I always enjoy stories like this where the protagonist meets a being of unfathomable power and ability but used their quick Witt to gain the outcome they want. However this is more in line with the classic Greek/Roman tales where despite doing the latter the story will always end with tragedy showing the consequences of dealing with beings beyond their understanding.

[@midnightmatter2028]

The irony that Death is upset with the Winemaker for buring her in what is functionally a coffin... XD

[@elisafloriana]

The story so scary but beautiful, death is an old friend that should be warmly welcomed. I think this one is my favorite animation 🥰

[@victorjaquier]

I'm glad that my vision of Death resonated with you! Many thanks ✨

[@Killerwale-hk4wy]

Love the Van Eyck reference in the paintings. An amazing painter ahead of his time.

[@Brucebod]

I _loved_ everything about this film, the music, the color pallet, the characters, the build up, the fear it invoked in me, the sadness, the understanding (I would have done the same as he did) the timing of everything. Just Loved It. Thank you!

[@williamking1081]

Man that ending make me want a sequel! It's never going to happen, but I can dream.

[@domonicka.holloway6041]

The transition to show the passing of time! From the clock, to their wedding day, to kids, to old age That motion and framing is wonderful!

[@glowworm2]

This was absolutely incredible. An amazing animation bringing a well known story to life once more. For his love, he banished Death, and for his love, he brought Death back, but at what cost?

[@frisbyart]

The animation being so gorgeous is just a bonus to the story. I adore how they conveyed the overall narrative too. You don't toy or mess with death, especially when it comes to everyone's life, because in the end you suffer most with the consequences.

[@audrianalalaxoxo]

This is the coolest take on the plague I have ever seen.

[@vickym2346]

The ripple effect of death not doing her job i imagine would result in a scenario as such. Such an amazing animated short🥰

[@mon_ts]

I'm very grateful that KZbin recommended this to me, every minute was absolutely precious, I love the way death was represented, the exquisite dialogues, simply magnificent! Amazing artwork! 👏🏼

[@alicegustafsson4301]

Never in my life have I seen something so heartbreaking yet beautiful

[@seramkelam]

this is probably the most terrifying yet beautiful horror short film i've ever watched.

[@ieatcaribou7852]

THIS is how you make a short film, it has a beginning, middle AND end. So many don’t end properly, leaving the viewer frustrated with no explanation.

[@themug406]

Ambiguity is fine

[@pumpkinpatch5]

I keep coming back to this because it’s so incredible. The animation, the storytelling, the characters, the mood, lighting and music. Just, bravo! 👏

[@MerryKeli]

Once again, Alter's animated shorts knocking it out of the park. This was a true delight to watch.

[@Mrstealth93]

Wow. Such a immensely well written story. And the visuals worked wonders. Dark and grim, yet with a eerie beauty.

[@albrown122]

There was a live-action version of this long ago. But it was different. It was about a man who carried a magic bag. All he had to do was open the bag and ask them to look inside, and it would suck them in. So he ended up doing this to Death himself. I guess he believed Death was evil. Taking the lives of children and people in their prime. But people would grow old and not die. All they wanted was the sweet release of Death. So, he eventually realized Death was a part of the cycle of life and released him.

[@thebipolargamer3052]

I dont even know if i can put the amount of love i felt for this into words. I loved everything about it, the story, the art, designs, backgrounds, music, ambiance; its all amazing

[@snailswithglasses6096]

not gonna lie, this was SOOOOO much better than I was expecting when I read the title. I would absolutely be terrified if this actually happened. But like one big question I have to ask is why didnt the little girl have anything happen to her? Like she seems totally fine. I am just gonna theorize and get way too much into my head over this. Have a GREAT DAY!!

[@d.l.technic5]

In hindsight, Peter, when Death requested some of your wine, you should’ve asked her for one condition that if she could give the love of your life for at least 30 extra years to live, so that way you would have her be with you until the agreement is set and fold.

[@APR1037]

This is truly an amazing work of art. The animation, the music, the story…beautiful yet haunting. Bravo! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@freedemonhugs]

This is literally the best animated short I have ever seen. Thank you for letting us discover this gem.

[@drama_in_verse]

I loved the scene when they showed their life passing with those paintings one after another.

[@futuregreatestpresidentale1221]

I love everything about this! The art, the music, the story... I especially love the way Death is portrayed. Tremendous work!

[@amortanciadracarys8350]

Je serais prête à voir 3 heure de film d'une qualité pareille , c'était époustouflant , BRAVO !

[@victorjaquier]

Merci beaucoup! J'espère pouvoir bientôt réaliser du format long 🤞

[@dexterion5940]

So beautiful! This is one of that stories when main character tricks the devil (death in this case) but suffer consequences after,like Singy Jack or Jack'o'Latern.

[@ayakotami3318]

I love the animation of this! And the storyline was beautiful for a horror short film. Deaths portrayal of no eyes and womb fits her beautifully. It's a beautiful way to represent death itself and the fact none of us can avoid this inevitable fate. 😊

[@RobertTaylor-im5ry]

Great job, Victor. Held me the whole near 17 minutes and I suffer with ADHD. Artwork is a refreshing change from what I've seen with animation (the people took a minute or two to appreciate, but appreciate I did). I remember the Swiss tale (though can't recall the exact one) and I like the plague tie-in and the Winemaker's part. Quite surprised. Well done to you and the crew.

[@LordDeViR]

the storyteller the soldier and death - another way to tell the story. Both great in all regards.

[@taylorrichardson1491]

I was absolutely glued to my screen for the entirety of this film! Beautifully animated, hauntingly told, and probably my favorite new short film!! Bravo!

[@Morunic777]

U can't tell but I'm clapping so loudly. Such a beautiful story. I wish the world could have more storytellers like you who tell stories with moral lessons. It's so wonderful.

[@Rabbitzan]

That is one specter you don't want to anger for sure. Suffering will be the reward for tampering with their work.

[@kenziel.1764]

Im utterly speechless. The story and character building, the art, the voice acting. The originality. This is stunning 💜

[@raymondreaper2554]

First I wanted to mock the fact that death itself couldn't even escape a barrel. Now I'm so impressed, I just wanna say great job! It was amazing to watch!

[@artdollz]

Mesmerizing, morbid, beautiful! An important lesson on why we should never alter the natural order of things

[@octaviogomez2843]

This was art. The animation, plot, & drama. Everything! It was amazing, truly. I would love to see more!!!