DEAD HORSE - Animation Short Film (2022)

[@rottsock]

OH WOW HI EVERYONE!!! I haven't checked this video in a few days and I had no idea it would get this sort of attention!!!!! Give me a little time and I'll make sure to read all of your comments and respond :D thank you for your support everyone!

[@NidrokTheGuy]

Ok 👍

[@SwagHyde]

I truly think that in the past few months youtube has favored smaller creators I get a lot of videos recommended that barely have any views or channels that have barely have any subscribers (i would consider anything under 1k to be part of this) It's a good short too, so that definitely helps with the algorithm giving it more exposure since people are commenting, liking and actually watching the video

[@notafurry_PIPEBOMBMAN]

Its creative.

[@knilinfinite5559]

The black horse creature reminds me a lot of the nightmare king from centaur world

[@Zhidoscope]

Now you have to start making stuff specially for youtube lol.

[@lordbelou7279]

I must admit that every animals' skulls being replaced with a horse's one gives an especially supernatural feeling to it. Like, it doesn't just do weird necromancy, it even replaces parts of it's victims for them to look closer to their puppeteer.

[@metholuscaedes6794]

Absolutly agree. very creepy- altrought it isnt just the skull, actually the entire skeleton turned into a horse. you can see the hoves.

[@AS-fp4gb]

Agreed! And the deer, seeing again, realising that it's eyes are dead, like the Raven. Bait to lure in more wolves.

[@Carcinizator]

@@metholuscaedes6794well except for 1:30

[@mikistenbeck6517]

that is truly messed up.

[@FINGERTIPS_]

@@kwasiafriyieyear1165it’s not bloody, but so gruesome..

[@TheLibrarianYT]

Besides the gorgeous visual style and atmosphere, the idea of a horror story taking place entirely amongst animals in the wilderness is very original.

[@Lakthul]

Oh dang. Wasn't expecting to see you here, but I guess this sorta is your whole vibe. Well, hello, and well said!

[@zahhakgaming]

Warrior Cats Bad Ending

[@cursedpyrogaming5176]

ikr

[@bendriscoll6631]

The notably absence of a human protagonist somehow makes it more... human? It eliminates the tribal differences we see amongst ourselves. There might be some tribal baggage that inhibits our ability to feel for a cop or identify with a Chinese guy, but we'll all feel empathy for a wolf.

[@toeeater199]

​@майнкрафт 2008 ?

[@creepyfuzzymelon]

I love the fact that the horses follow the wolf with frontal gazes, it’s a predatory action from a herbivorous skeleton that only the wideness of its empty skull grants. Horses don’t often look at things from the front as their eyes are positioned to face the sides like most herbivores and many birds. Also It was a lovely choice to use a horse skeleton as the horror. Their frankly unnatural proportions combined with the familiarity of a horse shape/skull invites room for the mind to speculate. Because a scary shark toothed skull is one thing, but flat teeth and a long nose aren’t something you’d immediately expect to snarl and hiss.

[@carolynvogan5217]

@hotpockets i came here to say this. skyrim horses are PREDATORS AND YOU CANNOT CHANGE MY MIND

[@kelseyplagman2570]

Horses look at stuff straight on. That's not a predatory thing only. Their eyes are just on the side to allow wider view to watch the horizon, but they still look at things directly. That tumbler or whatever post is incorrect

[@oz4lex676]

Equine skulls freak me the fuck out, so this did a really good job.

[@clydesdale1775]

​@@kelseyplagman2570 I was gonna comment this, it's like ppl forget that they need to use both eyes to have depth perception LOL

[@redmenace666]

@@oz4lex676 absolutely! Equine and cervine skulls both. Growing up in a rural hunting community was living hell. My friends dad that had one hanging up knew I didn’t like them, so he stuck ping pong balls in the sockets and drew red pupils on it. Freaked me out for sure

[@Major003]

One detail I REALLY liked was how the turned animals kept the legs of their original animal form. It's very noticeable with the rabbit, especially. Seeing the horse monsters stalk and plod out of the forest with the same posture as a wolf really added to the effect.

[@HYDROCARBON_XD]

Nope,they’re all replaced by horse legs

[@bendingdemon6483]

@@HYDROCARBON_XD Look at the rabbit splayed out on the ground, those aren't hooves.

[@colossendeis960]

@@bendingdemon6483 It was the only exception.

[@gameresetyt9656]

As someone who owns horses and knows a lot about them, i must admire how true to reality the skull is drawn.

[@user-24j17bHB]

imagine thinking horses arent scary

[@GamerEquine68]

​@@user-24j17bHBbut they aren't..?

[@mikadosannoji553]

@@GamerEquine68 wait until the horse arrives

[@GamerEquine68]

@@mikadosannoji553 THEY ARE?? 🤩🤩😍

[@Soundwave_Superior_45]

​@GamerEquine68 Horses are fucking terrifying. I live on a farm/ranch with horses, and I can't shake the feeling that they could kick me and shatter my ribs. Still like them, though. Ride them when I wish

[@purplehaze2358]

Despite the undeniable horror elements of this short film, I can't help but find this somewhat uplifting. The themes of loyalty and kinship feel like something I need to see more often.

[@The_Runaway_wolf]

Yeah

[@kingcyrusrodan6772]

Also I feel like it’s worth mentioning that the idea of ripping off someone’s skin as an attack is absolutely some Jojo type shit lmao

[@critiqueofthegothgf]

@@kingcyrusrodan6772 ? every underdog story operates with this cliche? last minute effort resulting in victory is one of the most overused tropes in all of media

[@gabrielchovan-spence4215]

⁠@@kingcyrusrodan6772 watch almost any anime lol.

[@Dragon-Slay3r]

Is this why my chips were burnt as I need to find the potatoes?

[@kimberlyramin]

It's always a good horror moment when it hasn't ended but you're already thinking "Yeah, I don't like that." So much better than sudden creepy jumpscares. The sounds and the unsettling feeling of watching something grotesque happen with no way to stop it is so much more potent than those short bursts of adrenaline.

[@russman3787]

That was my reaction exactly. I saw what was going on and I thought to myself, " Hmm, don't like that one bit."

[@Necro_fury]

oml yes, hate jumpscares when you can do so much more

[@iwillendyourbloodline3744]

Wow what a nice buildup I’m getting kinda creeped ou- 👹BOOGABOOGABITCH👹 -Well that wasn’t groovy at all.

[@andrturan8496]

​@@Necro_furyCan you please tell me what is oml

[@Necro_fury]

@@andrturan8496 Oh my Lord 👍

[@therextwins1086]

It's nice to know that the wolf's friend remembered who he was and saved him before he had to suffer the same fate and guessing those other skeleton wolves were what happened to their pack

[@ErebusTheDragonn]

Those skeletons are actually horse skeletons 😛

[@anugget3932]

@@ErebusTheDragonn I assume that the wolves skeletons were turned into a horse's considering the scene when the wolf was skinned

[@wongmatthew7215]

it was a moving scene

[@claran3616]

@@wongmatthew7215 I was RELIVED after the panic the rest put me through.

[@mindykanitz6255]

Ditto!

[@wafflekitsune7848]

Being a fan of horror, I rarely find anything to shiver my timbers, but the genuine cold feeling in my blood I felt when the wolf was skinned was amazing. This is SO unique and full of stylistic talent, I look forward to your future works!!!

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much!! I hope to get started on something new soon :D

[@Hidenidentity]

Yes

[@megabubfish]

Inside you are two wolves. One of them is a horse.

[@ShiftingStorms]

Soon, I tell you, this will become one of those animation films with several awards- This is truly incredible.

[@an_animator6577]

Yep...

[@Josuh]

can't wait till it gets all its fancy awards on the thumbnail

[@ShiftingStorms]

@@Josuh Exactly XD

[@ShiftingStorms]

Dang it actually did blow up! I was here when it was just 2k views

[@FirebaII0]

It is itis

[@foxfire9144]

I love that the deer in the beginning left five hoofprints, and the big, formless necromancer monster appeared to have five limbs. It took the shape of that deer to lure those wolves into the dark forest. Nice little detail :D EDIT: so it turns out there are actually six but I think the point still stands

[@Average_enjoyer_of_hk]

I didn’t notice that, subtle and smart

[@StandingTALL4now]

I see 6 though?

[@Average_enjoyer_of_hk]

@@StandingTALL4now rewatch

[@StandingTALL4now]

I did, its 6@@Average_enjoyer_of_hk

[@Average_enjoyer_of_hk]

@@StandingTALL4now maybe I’m stupid

[@otherpatrickgill]

As a kid, the neighbors had a lot of land and a horse. I remember her well, she was a good friend. For reasons I don't understand, growing up, I began to feel more and more uneasy around equines (donkeys also disturbed me and I had recurring nightmares about zebras). I realized, ok, I've got a phobia or something, so I understood it wasn't rational and accepted it, tried not to let it define me or have agency over my life. It mostly worked; there aren't so many horses around and those that are really don't show any interest in me. I still have my moments though. This animation was one of those moments. thanks for reminding me to be more aware of the distinction between what's going on in my life and what's going on in my head.

[@ariadnefrolich7243]

I've never heard of someone having a positive experience with an animal (you mentioned your neighbor's horse was a good friend) and then developing a phobia before. Weird. Glad to hear you've got it under control.

[@otherpatrickgill]

@@ariadnefrolich7243 a phobia is by definition illogical. Apparently I could have transferred feelings from a particularly traumatic event to creatures similar to one I loved (for whatever reason) or I could be using horses as the personification of something else - there are a lot of theories (I'm not even going to what Freud said). For myself, I'm happy that in the unlikely event of meeting a horse, I can walk past it, perhaps think what a beautiful animal it is, probably not go up to it and pat it... If I lived on a farm or something, it might be worth my while to have someone help me find out what's behind the feelings horses evoke, for now, I'm happy to not give agency to something which makes little sense.

[@Pinkstarclan]

oh this is a WONDERFUL comment

[@theprehistorichubert9448]

If only people with arachnophobia were as brave and self aware as you are

[@rottsock]

That's so interesting! I'm really glad you were able to gain an insight from watching this, thank you for this comment and your perspective!

[@thesirenB3]

It's giving all the wendigo vibes from an animal's perspective instead of a human's and I live for this. Like the transformation from wolf to a horse skeleton and then being snapped out of it to attack the dark entity that was hive-minding the baby horses. It's terrifying but in a way that makes you think. About a bunch of different mythologies, and I'm living for the animation it's so sharp and violent one moment then fluid and ethereal the next, the art style is a 10/10 as is then add in the terrifying death shroud. Awesome shit.

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much!! I'm really glad that you liked that it's from the animals perspective, I think it's something we don't explore often enough and I'd love to do more work like this!

[@Hidenidentity]

😱

[@Plague_Doctor-]

I’m a bit late but it’s cool to think paranormal things might or can happen to other things like animals for there’s a way to implement a sense of actual fear and life or death situation without diolouge

[@hannahmabbott7370]

The fact that the crow had probably been turned while the wolf had been in the forest gives me chills also the necromancer turning itself into a deer to lure the wolves to its domain was a fantastic idea makes you wonder how many times it has done this to other unsuspecting creatures and now i cannot get that JJBA scene where Kars creates a demonic squirrel from his own hand out of my head!

[@lutherdayz1691]

I had to think a bit to remember that scene. It will probably be stuck in my head for countless years now, randomly resurfacing. Thank you for that

[@Pinkstarclan]

ive never seen a graduation film that wasnt a ~sweet lil story~ before so this was a breath of fresh air and SUCH a delight. atmosphere and expressions nailed, style matched beautifully, thank you for this

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much! That's such a good point, a lot I watched for inspiration we're pretty wholesome, I very much appreciate you're comment!

[@turkey4802]

@@rottsock This was a Graduation Film?

[@rottsock]

@@turkey4802 yep!

[@jpjammin1876]

This really taps into a genre of horror and creepiness that is underexplored (just from what I've seen) with having things happen from animals' perspectives and to other animals. As much as I hate seeing horrible things happen to them, it is very effective. Furthermore, the animation is seamless, the storytelling is brilliant, and the sound design is fantastic. Beautiful shape language and colors too. All around well-done.

[@blueberrydragon5160]

It feels so effective imo, because animals experience far more horrible fates at the hand of humans/ nature then us humans do. But they aren‘t capable of understanding why. And on a deep, primal level, we are just the same as a cow being slaughtered when we are faced with a horror so deep and all-mighty we cannot grapple with it. When we get our cancer diagnosis. When we lose our only loved ones. When we are left in an old people‘s home to rot and die. We are all animals with over-grown cerebra.

[@thegrimreaper9552]

Humans are animals though

[@solarisgrey]

This is a truly majestic masterpiece, not just a "body horror". So deep and magical, full of emotions, meanings and so wide for interpretation, speaking directly to subconsciousness.

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate this response

[@solarisgrey]

​@@rottsock Thank _you_.") I've watched hundreds of animation shorts during past 15 years or more, and I'm so surprised to see this one. Well, I loved them all anyway, but this sort of art is sometimes so mannered, so plateresque, having too many unnecessary details. And this one is more like the essence, "the pomace". Talking about something that touched me so deep before your second to none work, I can only think of "Minty Marrows" made by Sam Yang in distant 2008.

[@mrdoesnthaveaprofile]

To be honest here my friend, I don’t really get what this short tried to convey

[@oleksiifrolov4074]

@@rottsock I thought the main sense of your film was that evil cannot be defeated in silence. Your movie reminds me of the Soviet Union that killed millions of people including my relatives in Holodomor. The famine was silenced in the empire itself not saying about the world. By the way, the freak you responded to has a coat of arms of the Soviet Union on its avatar. It's like having a Nazi swastika instead.

[@TheThundercow]

@@oleksiifrolov4074 While the famines were definately man-made, it's disputed whether it was intentional or just a result of the collectivization of agriculture.

[@kingo_clubs9097]

as others have said, i think its really creative how this story is told with animal characters and no spoken dialogue (though the characters still communicate emotions through wimpering, howling or body language.) it reminds me of primals halloween episode. spear doesnt even appear until like halfway into the episode which means the majority of it is just dinosaurs running from other zombie dinosaurs which was dope af btw. the fact that the story is told in the wilderness makes you think about how many other stories there are that are simply unknown to us because they were among non humans or the humans that witnessed them never lived to tell the tale.

[@Andrea_404]

The way that first skeleton's head snapped and then it just stared and at last hissed in a very weird way game me more goosebumps than most movies out there with a similar topic. Great work!

[@kiptheott]

I love how incredibly weird this is. Horror is always best when it's completely inexplicable; the audience knows broadly what a werewolf or a vampire is capable of and is going to want to do, but when it's something totally unfamiliar it might be capable of anything.

[@blueberrydragon5160]

Thanks, that explained a lot of the short‘s effectiveness on me.

[@deityskill5435]

this is just so.. CREEPY??? like the vibe, it’s so mysterious, I can’t even describe it. It’s almost lovecraftian the vibe I get??? like I’ve followed this project for some time on your Instagram - and I just wanna say: WOW. This is definitely my favorite short film, because the atmosphere and style of this is just.. SO GOOD?? like the way the wolfs skin just.. falls off?? it’s done so well, and the creepy violin sound effects you did for the cool shadow monster?? IT FITS PERFECTLY AAAHHHgggg,, again, amazing job ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much for following the progress of this project! Lovecraftian horror was a huge inspiration so I'm so glad you thought that, and it is such an honour that this is your favourite short film!! Thank you so much :,,,,)))))

[@deityskill5435]

@@rottsock you’re welcome! I’m excited to see your future projects ^^

[@bigman9905]

@@rottsock was the dead horse in any way Trevor Henderson inspired?

[@rottsock]

@@bigman9905 oo yes!! Definitely by his deer pieces

[@MysteriousMoth3000]

I love this a lot, although I am a bit creeped out by the fact that I have literally had a dream very similar to this but with rabbits, a giant wolf like demon ripping their skin falling of and then them coming to life in a creepy way similar to this. I am fond of lovecraft and had watched and read the story Watership down as well, so could of just been a weird combo of those 2 and my imagination. This film just brings back memories of that dream, but its still very original and beautifully animated, the atmosphere and sounds were done very well! I look forward to seeing any more projects that you share as you really have talent and great potential. 🌟

[@rottsock]

Woah no way!! That's honestly so wild and fascinating (and thank you also very much) when making this film I was definitely inspired by certain dreams I've had, so I'm glad you felt that too

[@TheGoldenGecko]

@@rottsockMy favorite part is when the deer run into the shadows and then a large deer leg appears that was extremely creepy and unexpected.

[@beastmaster0934]

1:51 I love how the wolf is just about to chase after the deer, but stops and shakes its head. Almost as if saying “No, that’s not a real deer, just another trick.”

[@aungkoko2022]

Horse head or not, living skeleton or not, a wolf is a wolf. If you're a wolf and your mate howls, you join. Beautiful!

[@100deadinside9]

I’ve always loved the idea of a creature with a skull for a face and just a giant black mass for a body. This creature is exactly like how I’ve pictured similar monsters! I would love to know a backstory for it, like how it came into existence and why it does what it does. The fluidity and smoothness of the animation gives every movement so much dynamic! It must have taken a long time and a hundred in-betweens to get it so smooth. The contrast of the red skeleton horses to the gloomy backgrounds is very effective and draws attention to the horses very well… as well as making them much scarier than if they were just white or tan. You, Ruby, have a talent and will surely do great things with your abilities. Be proud! This is amazing! PS: While this is absolutely amazing, this person has another short animated film from a year ago that is also very good and deserves more attention now that so many people have found this video (and subsequently her channel).

[@rottsock]

Thanks so much for taking the time to write this lovely comment! I really appreciate all of what you've said, and thank you for watching Nightcrawler too! :D

[@rottsock]

There might actually be some backstory for the beast in the spinoff comic I'll be making on Instagram btw!

[@carnivorze1052]

This concept is 100% the nowhere king

[@VivianaSilverback]

@@carnivorze1052 I thought i was the only one who got reminded of the Nowhere King when seeing this! Glad i'm not

[@missseaweed2462]

I remembered, "The Life of Death" when seeing the figure, though!

[@vasiliya_M]

The atmosphere, sound and visual are just gorgeous! I'm really glad to find this film in my recommendations!

[@rottsock]

Thank you very very much!

[@jurassicsmackdown6359]

That degloving of an entire wolfs skeleton put a nauseating, visceral feeling in the pit of my stomach... Absolutely disgusting, well done to Ruby Taylor

[@hackerbynight107]

First horror animation to actually make me uncomfortable and frightened in a good few years. Great job!

[@jennyfury4674]

3:00 it’s like the wolf was saying, you will never harm another animal on land EVER again

[@zerocritikal]

As someone who loves horror, animation and cryptid monsters, THIS WAS INCREDIBLY FANTASTIC

[@ETERNALPLAGUE777]

i love those 3 this as well! especially wendigo's :3

[@MATOGAST.]

JESUS CHRIST. this is one of the most unique and uneasy short films ive seen,, the atmosphere and colours that you picked for this is stunning,,, oh man im betting thisll get so many damn awards

[@Gorp-t6h]

I have seen a lot of horror animations in my life, BUT THIS IS THE BEST I HAVE SEEN BY FAR. I love how you chose to make it of a supernatural being pulling out the skeletons of animals, and how in the end the skeletons began eating away at it's arm and making it disappear into a lake, this short is definitely going to keep me alert when near an animal for a LONG time.

[@jennyfury4674]

3:14 in the end, the pack was undefeatable

[@mariahs6]

The concept chilled me to the bone yet it is so intriguing at the same time! Coupled with the smooth animation, backgrounds, and sound design, this is an absolutely amazing feast for the eyes and ears!

[@rottsock]

Chilled to the human bone I hope ;) thank you so very much!

[@erics.9130]

please make more! scared the living daylights outta me!

[@your-local-trickster1324]

The color scheme and the entire concept just makes this animation so much more chilling but also interesting! I love this so much (I’m so happy that the wolf actually “reunited” with his friend) and I’m glad it’s getting the attention it deserves!

[@thepuzzlax627]

This is the most horrifying animation I have ever seen, and I LOVE it! Everything about this is perfectly gooseflesh inducing, from the animation to the musical score.

[@ButterflySeraph612]

This was such a beautiful work of storytelling. I can't even begin to describe why (maybe someday I can do a more in-depth analysis and post it somewhere), but I felt exactly like the wolf the entire time: watching the events unfold left me feeling a sense of dread that I can only watch, and yet I almost cried when the wolf hopelessly called for help AND IT GOT IT. I'm so moved emotionally aughhhhhhh

[@Sylvia_Corvidev]

I loved the part where the Nowhere King Ahh looking man said "It's Dead Horsin' Time!" and separated the skin of a wolf from it's oddly red bones. Bravo Vince! (this is amazing btw!)

[@zikadraws79]

Aww ! I was very worried it wouldn't have a happy ending. That's a nice surprise ! It was really well drawn and spooky. Great work !

[@icecreamdog]

everything about this is perfect i see no flaws in the plot sound animation, nothing. it gave me so many chills as someone who watches horror movies before bed. very very very well done.

[@icecreamdog]

imagine a pt 2

[@rottsock]

Wow thank you!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it :D

[@claran3616]

​@@icecreamdog Some poor explorer with a camera tries to figure out what the hell is wrong with this wolf pack. (I imagine the monsters would be slightly glamured to humans.)

[@icecreamdog]

@@claran3616 loving that idea

[@umamifan]

@@claran3616 really? You see NO flaws??

[@Nightlight_Latte]

Oh my goodness, I'd love to see an expansion of this story/concept! (Although, it's also fantastic as a stand alone short. So well done!)

[@rottsock]

Thanks very much! :D I hope to expand it eventually

[@weebcraftreforged6274]

there is very few videos ever giving me chills down my spine, this is the type of content i enjoy..

[@vesper2950]

The white wolf being frozen in fear yet still trying to warn its friend of the danger ahead broke my heart when the black wolf died

[@verdaha]

Первое, что за долгое время нагнало на меня животный ужас. Восторг! Автору удачи в дальнейших работах и заслуженных наград!

[@rottsock]

Thank you very much indeed!

[@James-en1ob]

You, sir are a master animator. I truly appreciate your work, and hope more will come to admire this gloomy, yet beautiful master piece.

[@ratking_]

the director is a person named Ruby Taylor, not the person who runs the channel. lmao

[@James-en1ob]

@@ratking_ well, good for him. And the animators?

[@rottsock]

@@ratking_ oh hey it actually is me! One and the same :)

[@LittlePhlegm]

Hi

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment!

[@Woofzilla]

Chills . Literal chills the whole time The visuals, sounds, designs, everything just makes for such an eerie atmosphere and it’s incredible!! As a huge fan of horror I will not stop gushing over this film, this is such a beautiful way to tell a horror story

[@rottsock]

Wow thank you so much!!! I'm really happy you enjoyed it

[@bonesintheroad]

This was a masterpiece. I love necromancy and bones, but this was something special. Gorgeous! That end made me so happy. Original and unique.

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much!!

[@kezhiahnebula]

2:41 true friend :'( eventhough he became skeleton still tries to save his friend 🥺

[@mandiblemondays1377]

obsessed with this animation, like everything about it is so satisfying? SPOILERS BELOW! the animation is finely minted and has a smoother animation as if you'd be able to grasp the texture of it, smooth and soft but not too soft that it ripples the horror vibe its going for now the colors too aren't too bright, when it uses more glaring colors such as the red it's used to change the focus of the scene, it helps you to keep all your attention on it until it pans back to the wolf and most of all the energy this whole short film has going for it; it doesn't need to jumpscare you to make you weary of what will entail next and that is how true horror should be, not unnecessary bloodshed and up in your face "scary" surprises, but a labyrinth of different things all working together to keep you at the tip of your toes like the sound effects and music; for scenes like when the wolves stop at the front of the woods, whispy swaths of wind and only glances of this larger danger lurking, and then moving to the introduction of the horse creature with spindly wood clunks to characterize movement of the hands, to the grotesque squelch sounds when the skeletal system of the wolf is being removed you can even hear a slight gagging noise which further sells a sense of realism, even later on when it reveals the full creature i love that quivering violin sliver that was heard before, less of a woody wallow because now you KNOW the scene is more urgent and while not a sound effect when it zooms in on the beady blown pupils of the wolf companion watching in fear and just that reflection is chefs kiss but just how hear it doesn't need to show off the entire spectrum of the beast to make its presence be forecast as a monstrous one, the sheer size to scoop up smaller animals without knowing yet what it is, and when it does come out to the open it doesn't entirely diminish the danger because it's still trying to fulfill its previous purpose despite how it could quite literally just stomp or maim this wolf now, not to mention the size reference of this mammoth of a "horse," is even more haunting then everything like imagine mosying through the woods and encountering this beast kind of reminds me of a twisted combination of the folklore creatures mari lwyd and the more animated elktaur creature from centaurworld with its mounted head on liquid smooth shadows i dont think i even need to say anything more, college students will seriously spit out these godlike animations and just NOT GET PAID? i guess passing the curriculum would be enough but lord some of y'all deserve so much more credit like look at this and another animation; fuelled, and tell me you wouldn't throw down your green paper and metallic chips for these

[@claran3616]

About the "not in your face gore", consider your color theory analysis. Every thing is blue to black except the skeletons. Because of the simplistic style, I at least, thought the simple eye drawing red felt pretty directly, viscerally, horrifying gory. Good points all round, it's probable just my limited horror experience. Edit: Yeah the Nowhere king vibes were there when it jumped out of the forest .

[@CheeseYourself]

1:10 this kind of thing is a recurring theme in my nightmares; something suddenly turning and staring at me in the eyes just ignites this... _primal_ fear in my chimpanzee brain absolutely incredible animation!

[@bonecag3]

You’ve made something creepier than most horror movies. I love this, the character designs and animation are amazing !!

[@dutches_s]

The pure feeling of dread I felt for that wolf, and the shock when seeing the first wolf be skinned and have its skull replaced with a horse’s..I was on the brink of tears from how creative and terrifying this was. As soon as the giant horse entity showed its whole body, my first thought was that it gave the same type of existential unknown and dread that Gibli Studio’s monsters always gave me (No-Face and the demons from Princess Mononoke, yk). I’ve never seen any other animation able to mimic the type of fear that those Gibli monsters gave me, until I saw this animation. You managed to create that exact fear perfectly and with such an a insanely creative story with an art style the really drives the whole thing home! Definitely will be watching this multiple more times this is so beautifully eerie

[@kingcyrusrodan6772]

Holy shit, I absolutely love the art style and the idea of an eldritch being that rips off your skin is fucking terrifying. Please make a longer version of this someday!

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much!! I might make a remastered version someday, as there was a lot I wouldv'e liked to improve on but had to rush as it was a university final project!

[@kingcyrusrodan6772]

@@rottsock I hope you got an excellent grade on this project, it’s absolutely peak!

[@LBXD-00]

It gave me such a creepy and mysterious vibe, but it's nice to see that in the end things worked out for the white wolf, and the sound effects turned out amazing! They gave a special touch, incredible animation, congratulations!

[@rottsock]

Thanks so much! The sound design was such a fun journey to explore :D

[@yodelingyotes]

This is fucking terrifying, I LOVE IT. I can’t say that about many pieces oh my god my heart was RACING. No cheap scares, no sudden loud noises, just pure unfiltered and speechless horror

[@rottsock]

Wow thank you!! I love me an eerie uncertain atmosphere :D

[@korynnef7392]

Nah bro I finished the video and my stomach still hurts like I'm TRAUMATIZED (but it's so good but oh christ)

[@zombeeznutz]

this was horrifying, and i absolutely adore it. it takes a lot for me to feel that hopelessness and dread but then be able to feel calm at the end of that, incredible storytelling

[@CrimsonCrab]

Wooooooooooow, not only was the animation great, but the world and story was phenomenal as well! I’m not one to get super immersed in an animation, but that first reveal with the big hoof sent chills down my spine!

[@Official-Sovietcrab]

honestly, very well animated love the style of the atmosphere, the horror aspect reminded me about either the long horse creepypasta or the wendigo, please keep going with these animations. (you earned a new sub)

[@blaiddthewolf8532]

Oh my gods, this is beautiful. Like, sure, I’m gonna be watching my horse real careful tomorrow, but holy shit. I mean, the animation is beautiful, the sounds are great, and the story, the concept, the way it’s told so perfectly, is nothing short of astounding.

[@rottsock]

Hahah you better watch that horse! And thank you very very much

[@Clover2905]

THIS IS LITERALLY SO COOL!! Like it had me in the first half being this creepy atmosphere with this one wolf seeing one of its friends end up like that, but then in the end they just reunite and actually fight side by side against this GIANT creature trying to turn them into these undead animals. I really have no words but to say that this is an AMAZING short film, and I LOVE this already! I'm looking forward to seeing that spin off comic!! So keep up the great work RottSock!!!

[@lilr6199]

Excellent sound design at 0:52, the sound of the bow drawing over the strings set my teeth on edge, especially when paired with the visual of the hand delicately plucking out the bones

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much!!

[@Melodrive]

BRO TURN THIS INTO A WHOLE SERRIES! BEST THING EVER!!! This world is so believable I just want more of it.

[@Eli-tk5vd]

Having the white wolf see everything happen, then showing its reactions to the viewers really added a layer of immersion, kind of like a vicarious feeling of fear and disturbance

[@ShankedHyena]

I absolutely love this animation, I hope it wins a lot of awards. I really want to see more of these! It gave me the chills lol

[@rottsock]

aw man thank you!! :'>

[@sutatpogquan815]

I like how the ending kind is a little wholesome

[@terracottagecheese2767]

I love this! Everything from the animation, sound, setting, creature design, etc. just furthered this feeling of disturbing wrongness. I especially love the contrast between the red bones and the gray landscape. And the movement of the hands is so creepy! Wonderful!

[@rottsock]

Oo thank you! Spent a lot of time on those hands :D so glad you liked the red contrast too!

[@Raven_Black_252]

This is gonna be one of those legendary short animations we will come back in 10 years.

[@willowing_.creature]

Despite the horror elements and all, this made me smile. Not just from the beautiful art and creativity, but also from the ending - in a way, it seemed wholesome how the undead wolves stuck together in the end.

[@theotheseaeagle]

Horse skeletons are so freaky, and nobody can convince me otherwise. They just look so alien

[@wonderpandimonium]

Man, most short horror films on this site fail to do anything to me. This truly sent a chill up my spine in some places. Great work!

[@wintershock]

As someone who rides horses and often sees them as goofy, this animation has reminded me of how unsettling their anatomy is. Occasionally I will think about how weird their bodies are, such as their thin legs or their hoof anatomy. I never realized how creepy their skulls can be until now, especially from the front profile. They are such weird animals and I am glad this masterpiece of an animation has reminded me of that.

[@rottsock]

I'm so happy you could gain an insight from this film! I really appreciate your comment

[@oakenshadow6763]

This is the perfect mix of horror and cartoon as to not put a viewer off. You're an amazing story teller, animator, and designer!

[@ayanoaishi8489]

Seeing the wolf’s skin just come off absolutely horrified me! I’m happy that in the end that the wolfs proved to be loyal to the other wolf and fight back against it!

[@eeb1019]

2:33 my face when my game crashes and i havent saved for 3 hours

[@jamesjustjamesclgames6574]

Funny

[@astro_anesidora0207]

Heck, this is such a fantastic animation, love the scary atmosphere and creature, the monster's design is simple yet effective on being terrifying, the sounds were cool as well. Great work and hope this get the attention it deserves 💕

[@rottsock]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that

[@paradoxtatorstudios9681]

as someone who is aspiring to be an animator, this caught my attention. fantastic job!

[@rottsock]

Good luck on your animation journey! And thank you!

[@paradoxtatorstudios9681]

@@rottsock of course, and thank you as well!

[@delicate1917]

This is outstanding!! I actually saw the progress of the animation on Instagram, I had no idea it was a full project, I love it so much!!!! I love how unsettling it is, I was genuinely irked by the understandment that the horse skeletons came out of such different creatures - it's so uncanny, I love it The rattling bones also add to the creepiness, and the ending is so hopeful too

[@rottsock]

Thanks so much man!!

[@AbberPie]

I loved the detail that the undead animals only ate the skin part of their victims, as if they're trying to find a way to regain their own skins.. the visuals made my blood run cold from how genuinely scared I was! Great work!

[@Ghostsquid337]

The pure animal instinct and loyalty is captured SO WELL

[@wawadu2117]

oh wtf this recent! I loved the use of sound and the meaning in the eyes, mood was conveyed as soon as they stepped into the woods, for me even when they started chasing the deer. Great work!

[@adrianfernandezroyano200]

Undead animals are very little exploited in fiction, I love when an animation don't have lore or a complex history to be a nice piece of art

[@dacksonflux]

What? Undead animals are everywhere. Pet Cemetery is still too this day one of the most referenced horror movies of all time.

[@Cemeterygirll]

Whoa...dude this is so cool!!! I love how fluid the animation is, and how well the atmosphere is set. You can feel the unease and terror coming from the white wolf as he watches what happens to his friend, it's so sinister and chilling! I love the lil twist at the end where the skellies start recalling the past and save the wolf. Overall, beautiful storytelling, beautiful animation, beautiful everything!! You should be extremely proud of yourself!! Edit: Just subscribed! I hope to see more of your amazing work in the future!

[@ElazarY]

The horse deity is so impeccably well done. The way it runs into the water at the end was so unnatural yet graceful. Great job.

[@syrahstahl822]

i love this so much because it instantly sets the vibe-- cold, dark, desolate. then the horror, the terrifying, uncomfortable air of the situation kicks in, and you're felling the same dread the poor little wolf in the film was feeling. despite allat, the end was... heartwarming... but still terrifying! 10/10.

[@rottsock]

Thank you very much!!

[@eviebennett9929]

This is so good.. the visuals and the overall atmosphere is purely amazing. Keep up the good work!

[@cinnamoonbuns816]

This was so creepy and wholesome at the same time, incredible work!! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this!!

[@theirishrover7297]

This animation style is so unique and fits the ambience of this film so well! This film is absolutely stunning. Keep animating, your going places!

[@anotherwesley7661]

my god there's simply nothing more wonderful and chilling to me than a Wrong Horse

[@sharalinn2639]

OH MY GOD the legs blending in with the trees is genuinely so terrifying what the hell

[@rottsock]

I'm glad you liked that!!

[@Coco_saur]

saw it on instagram before. i really love this film and the concept! (i kinfa have the theory that the deer was like a follower of that entity and brings any predator to be transform into those things)

[@camilaalmiron5588]

Good theory

[@rottsock]

Woah that's an awesome theory! I really love that :D and thanks for keeping up with the project!

[@armandomartinez3524]

Dude. this should be like, *an ACTUAL movie.* This is, without a doubt, 100% *MOVIE-WORTHY.* I would also 100% watch it, if it was a movie. :D

[@NessaTheBat1]

What a creepy and interesting concept! I don't think I have ever seen an ability like this with pulling out the skeleton of an animal and then use them as minions. The music and soundtrack were perfect. Thanks in advance for the nightmare I'm going to have tonight. :)

[@rottsock]

Ah thank you! I'm so glad it's a little bit of a fresh concept for you :D

[@shadowbrain4814]

It seemed to me like their skeletons were being turned into horse skeletons, given the one from the first wolf seemed to have hooves and a horse shaped skull, which just made it creepier to me.

[@craylixart]

This was executed very well!! Love it and specially the sound design !!

[@benluttenberger7860]

KZbin has finally seen me worthy of the youtube short rabbit whole. So many amazing short films, so much imagination and creativity.

[@jimijo1440]

The figure in 2:10 reminds me of the nowhere king. Great animation by the way.

[@thedragonthatlovesskittles7132]

I love how horses and deer are recently getting a come back in horror

[@CoffieRaptorStudios]

Ive rewatched This so many times, and that first front-view of the red horse skeleton STILL makes my heart flinch.

[@THExRISER]

Wait I wasn't expecting this to be heartwarming! Amazing animation!

[@justabird0]

0:43 I swear those notes wont let me sleep tonight

[@Nizati]

Well.. that will haunt my nightmares for a bit.... WELL DONE! edit - Also I feel that it's just terrifyingly Haunting that this horse-monster not just pops off their skin... Somehow it changes all skeletons to a horse skeleton just like itself. Just.. Not just stripping the outer identity but the identity of your very Core. Like... just.. Damn.