SHUCK

In a purgatory that looks like the Norfolk Broads, dying souls wander through the tall grasses to find their afterlives. Among them is Murph, a woman on her deathbed, and Shuck, the Grim Reaper in the form of a dog.
I made Shuck as my animation graduate film from Edinburgh College of Art in 2023, inspired by the folkloric Church Grim and East Anglia's own devil dog, Black Shuck. Enjoy!

[@shiva72945]

Death as a friendly dog. So soft. Really moved me.

[@princessthyemis]

I love the idea!

[@AlistairJBrown]

Thank you for watching. So pleased you enjoyed it 🧡

[@thelabOok]

I don't think I've ever seen the Black Dog portrayed so sympathetically. Beautifully done.

[@averycheesypotato]

Black Shuck/ the Grim did come to be portrayed in a negative light, but it wasn’t always that way. It was believed that the first soul buried in a new cemetery would have to remain there forever, to guide future souls to the afterlife & to guard it from evil. Not wanting any loved one to linger so, people took to burying a dog first. That way a friendly companion would be there to comfort at later burials

[@spervuurproduksies]

@@averycheesypotato Interesting myth I never heard before. Where did it originate?

[@averycheesypotato]

@@spervuurproduksies Black Shuck originated in eastern England (around the Norfolk & Suffolk counties). It’s derived from the myths of the church grim, which are shared by English & Nordic folklore. The stories can vary widely in the telling

[@spervuurproduksies]

@@averycheesypotato Wow. Thanks.

[@DDarkooo]

​@@averycheesypotato interestingly enough there's a similar myth centered around the Devil's Bridges across Europe. It's said that they were built by the Devil in one night and as payment it requested the first soul to cross the bridge, so they sent a dog basically tricking the devil since it hadn't specified whose soul it wanted. interesting to know how dogs and the underworld are so connected through time and cultures

[@nickwalmsley9687]

What a beautiful piece of work. As a Norfolkman I grew up with the legend of Black Shuck and he wasn't depicted as being as gentle as this!

[@Crowcus]

Some regions actually have a positive interpretation of the black dog mythos, such as the Gurt Dog of Somerset, which accompanies lost travelers and is said to bring good luck! :)

[@Xof420]

Tears.. this needs more views.

[@KARMAZYNA]

It would make sense for the depictions to vary. Sometimes death is sudden and violent, sometimes it's quiet and peaceful.

[@Makasennn]

That because most Black Shuck sightings were Dogmen.... Ooooo scary

[@harleybenton3382]

We also had the legend of black shuck up in Lancashire too.

[@dawntownsend1465]

Well that made me cry. I hope when my time comes, I’m met by my beloved big dog.

[@novampires223]

Dogs, cats, sheep, chickens, geese, pleasants, mules, and turkeys. 😊

[@terryt.1643]

We have a rainbow bridge legend, our pets and loved ones greet us as we crossover.

[@ludwinb]

I could not agree with you more

[@CocoXwhat]

Same..

[@electrofonickitty823]

Same i hope my cats meet me, Hazel and Kurtz were truly special

[@MsSarinakg]

This was a pleasure and a sadness to watch. Not many of us want to willingly die and this just showed that emotion admirably. Interesting concept to see a dog as the grim reaper - and he or she was understanding and not scary. I quite like that idea. Thank you for creating this piece of art and sharing it.💔💖

[@florivot]

Thank you so much this is such a thoughtful response 💚

[@diannecota7563]

I watched this on the wrong day and it made me cry. What a motivating piece. Get out and enjoy life before there’s a scruffy dog under your bed quietly saying “it’s time”.

[@adelejoy]

Maybe it was the right day🤷🏻‍♀️ sometimes it’s good to cry❤️

[@coht12]

@@adelejoyexactly! I used to believe that crying is a sign of weakness or giving up, but then nowadays I see it as a chance to release what's heavy and embrace the shifting moments through emotions❤

[@adelejoy]

@@coht12 beautiful

[@coht12]

@@adelejoy Thank you🤗

[@Crippley]

Idk anything about the original story, but I love the idea of Shuck also being emotionally impacted by what's happening. Makes a new friend, but only for a moment, because it's job is to guide them to the door. Amazing work!👏

[@florivot]

Thank you! I really wanted to show Shuck's journey as well as the soul moving on :)

[@ibeetellingya5683]

This graceful use of 'stop-motion' animation creates a 'stop-emotion' recognition by the viewer in every frame: Expressive Movement, Pause, Impact, Repeat...

[@AlistairJBrown]

Thank you for watching

[@FairyEncounters]

This is a stunning and refreshing interpretation of the Black Shuck as the gentle, patient companion to the dying. I believe these creatures are not one-dimensional in nature: even a Hellhound might be benevolent if you catch them on the right day! I had my own experience with a Fairy Dog years ago in Ireland. It accompanied me to safety in a very scary situation, then swiftly disappeared. I hope you'll continue to explore these themes in future work and look forward to watching them.

[@florivot]

That's amazing! Fairy dogs appeared in my research when I was developing the film early on. I'll absolutely keep making folklore inspired films, thank you for the encouragement 💚

[@michelles1250]

Thank you, thank you for bringing such a beautiful story alive. My grandpa and a pair of animals I am so fond of recently all passed away. And i keep dreaming about them on the other side. This was therapeutic, and tear inducing. That maybe if they are struggling to find their way, there maybe are some kind beings helping them along (in the dream with my grandpa, two dogs were helping him come to terms with the memories he couldn't face alone - he died from alzheimers. Theyd bring him a memory from a pond in his backyard. And if he'd open it, the memory would fall into the earth beneath where all the little bugs and ants would take it deep into the ground)

[@go_on_git]

Holy wow. What a profound and beautiful thing to dream of. Please keep sharing this.

[@florivot]

What a beautiful image, thank you for sharing 💚

[@leslievincent8565]

Whoa, that is such a special dream. So much symbolism. So sorry for your losses. ❤

[@princessthyemis]

I'm so sorry for your loss!

[@princessthyemis]

Sounds like a beautiful dream! It could make a good book, perhaps..

[@springsogourne]

Omg. I had a dog as a child and I named him Shuck. I’m American born in 1960. I had never heard of this story, I just thought it was the right name for him, and he was a black Sheppard mix! Wow

[@goblin3359]

This was just lovely. Death as patient, friendly and kind. Beautiful work.

[@ijlayugan4149]

3:32 It's a small and unimportant detail but I love how after Shuck licks her tears, it licks its lips. Really nailed the dog behavior even more if you ask me.

[@florivot]

I watched a lot dog videos whilst making it haha! Thank you for noticing the little details :)

[@HybridMiranda]

This made me cry; it's so soft and relatable, and captures the fear and apprehension so perfectly. But also the acceptance and the feeling that it's going to be ok. The colors, textures, gentle breeze... I was extremely moved by this.

[@najgarcia410]

Also the background music. They did a good job in using the right soundtrack.

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the score! It was such a pleasure working on this beautiful film.

[@annaearley7906]

Thank you for sharing this film. It was very beautiful and peaceful. The tears running down her face and the small smile at the end, as well as the wind and the feeling of calm really transported me to the place.

[@florivot]

Thank you, I'm really glad you liked it 💚

[@VividPagan]

Was this stopmotion? I'm enchanted. My heart aches with loneliness, regret and beauty. Tears in my eyes by the end. This deserves 100,000 views.

[@mollybanystsky9729]

Your comment absolutely nailed the way this video made me feel.

[@VividPagan]

@@mollybanystsky9729 - Glad to find another traveller on the same path, friend.

[@michelles1250]

:) ❤

[@thelostone6981]

This was brilliantly done. Often I get cynical at the world, but then I come across at such as this and I’m reminded of beautiful and creative people are.

[@Angel-rq3pi]

The small details are amazing! When she's in bed then it cuts to the souls in the field-She gets out of her bed which is now invisible to the viewer but for her it's still very much real. Well-done!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@rachelday5467]

Beautiful. Thank you. Something about seeing her sadness at dying makes me wonder about the grief of the dead, and how much I will miss being here with all of natures beauty when it’s my time. Or maybe it won’t be like that at all!! Thanks for the thoughts and feels ❤

[@fractured-mind]

I've lost my grandmother today and this showed up in my feed.. it makes me feel a bit easier, not like I lost her but more like we will meet again one day

[@leslievincent8565]

Oh, how hard it is to lose any loved one. The loss of a grandmother is a special kind of loss. I'm sorry for your loss, and glad this video showed up at the right moment. No coincidences.

[@maghurt]

❣

[@Laura-tp8wz]

So sorry for your loss.Blessings

[@ellenlandowski1659]

She just got rid of her old body...

[@bensdecoypoondummy1189]

Brought me to tears when the character runs away... I'm also scared to go through that door... beautiful work, Emerson

[@alistairbrown965]

It's certainly a very emotional piece. Thank you for watching, I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@sunflower5ful]

Emerson, you have a real talent. This made me cry. What beautiful animation. I also live in Norfolk and have taught this as a local myth. Keep up the excellent work😍

[@williampage8882]

I had an Old Shuck named for the legend, he was the opposite. He was a huge gentle dope of a Black Great Dane with a true heart of gold. I hope when it is my time he comes to lead me home.. I miss that dog, he left us over 12 years ago. Man, he was a good dog

[@nikoanderson3118]

Did an incredible job at nailing the chilling predatory stare of the wolf, the slow turn into the jog was beautiful and maintained the intense energy of starting the hunt, and the sudden jarring pan out, suddenly looking into the eyes of a sweet and scruffy black dog

[@jbye5353]

I cried my way right through this thinking about my parents I lost in 2021 and hoping they were showed such kindness in the hereafter. Thank you for this.

[@catharinethomas5797]

I'll look for Black Shuck when it's my time. Thank you for creating and sharing this. Beautiful.

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you for watching this. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.

[@Tony-ep2ku]

Your film is magnificent, stunning, and amazing. I expect you have a great future ahead of you, so remember to follow your own stars, be bold and take chances. I hope when my time comes to pass, it’s a scruffy old dog leading me…. Thank you for sharing this!

[@semiramis10711]

It was very touching, sad and comforting at the same time. So much was packed into a few minutes - I'm amazed at how much can be expressed with these images. Music and image complement each other perfectly. I had never heard of Black Shuck before and this film prompted me to read up on it, a fascinating myth! Thank you for the wonderful video!

[@florivot]

I still feel incredibly lucky to have Alistair Brown's score on this, the music absolutely makes it. And I'm so happy my film made you look into some folklore!

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much, that's very kind of you to say. I'm pleased you enjoyed it. It was honestly such a pleasure writing the music for Emerson's beautiful film about Shuck.

[@JustJimWillDo]

Beautiful and glorious. Sad and numinous. Magnificent. Bravo!

[@ahoihedviggen4451]

Ok. I am crying. Well done. this is what real art is about. Stirring emotions and memory. Thank you❤

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much for watching. I'm pleased you enjoyed it.

[@kaydreamer]

I love how when she finally looked through the door, she smiled and teared up. I've read so many testimonials of near death experiences, and they describe a place of absolute tranquillity and love, with friends and family waiting to greet us. Her smile makes me think that's exactly what she saw.

[@andrear.naples2916]

No words for this lovely piece!

[@BrodisWorld]

That is the goodest of boys. Very sweet, sometimes you need a friendly face to help you pass through the in between. A dog is probably the greatest asset because humans trust dogs and love them

[@skwidkid25]

Absolutely stunning film. I adore the idea of something as scary as death being portrayed as a friendly dog. Loved it, well done

[@thomasmoore3175]

Thank you for this work - a beautiful telling of the human story, my story, all our stories.

[@Molebat71]

Wow that really got to me. If there is a Shuck that shows me the way when my time comes I’ve got nothing to worry about. Beautiful work. ❤

[@bornflippy1]

only sometimes my feed actually gives me something beautiful and nourishing to the soul. This amazing work of art is one of those rare times. Thank You , Emerson New you are very talented.

[@jaydenbrister7560]

The background music had me captivated and I never want to look away from this beauty

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much, I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the score. It was an incredible and special film to work on.

[@CindymeCindy]

Wow. So beautiful. So well done. I hope we get to see much more from you.

[@agony_jones]

this is one of the most beautiful things i have witnessed, thank you

[@Laura-tp8wz]

I am crying. God bless. Thank you.

[@FuneralFeastArt]

I remember seeing this at the ECA degree show last year and hoping I’d see it again. Fantastic work!

[@edgenovese]

Wonderful Thank you. perfect expressions... Nice score too... bravo

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the film and the score. It was such a pleasure to work with Emerson on this, and writing the music was a special honour.

[@kathleenorourke6917]

Lovely little film. 💚

[@shonakate]

WOW this deserves so much attention and love -- the score is beautiful too!

[@florivot]

Alistair's work absolutely made the film for me, he's an incredible composer and musician!

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much for watching and for your kind words. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the film and the score. It was a pleasure writing the music for Shuck, it was such an incredibly emotional film to work on. Emerson is so talented.

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much Emerson. It was a special film to work with you on.

[@nickpatrie7668]

Wow, that was so beautiful. I have never seen a video like this before.

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you for watching!

[@3_raccoons_in_a_business_suit]

Made me cry like a little baby. This was beautiful

[@rominachamberlain9158]

Absolutely wonderful!! ......I never seen death so beautiful like this, I hope when I have to go, shuck come for me and show me the way like that ..........❤️☀️🌻

[@TakeMeToYourLida]

So well done. Reminds me of one of my all time favorites, Fantastic Mr Fox. ❤

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

This is beautiful ❤❤❤ dogs really r a man’s best friend. Even the Black Dog!

[@JudithBecker-g6l]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!❤

[@blackbird163]

I can't stop crying. Absolutely beautiful work ❤

[@wubajay]

That was beautiful. Thank you

[@johnp5250]

Thank you for this film I know what this film represents, but it brought me back to my dog Chaos. Thank you

[@roadchickie]

Having just lost my mother this past spring, this made me weep. I wish I could have seen what was on the other side of the door. The nuances and emotions expressed in the animation are breathtaking. All of it beautiful.

[@markgilbert3834]

Very well done. Touching and sweet.

[@Absoluteweirdness]

Gorgeous and moving. Looks exactly like my dog Chunk. I’m still all choked up.

[@charlibaltimore7641]

Brought tears to my yes. Thank you for this.

[@Luvacanuck]

Beautiful, thank you.❤

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you for watching!

[@brianmcdonald9329]

Beautiful! Thank you!!

[@SublimeEarth_369]

Oh how the tears poured at this beautiful work of art. ❤😢

[@darinarrowood7990]

I have been around the block and I've never had a film affect me this deeply than this one. Brilliant. Everyone I've shown this too has had the same reaction. This is brilliant, your ability to effect emotions in less than six minutes. Respect!

[@alistairbrown965]

That's incredible. Thank you for your kind words. It was an incredible film to work with Emerson on, and such a pleasure to write the score for. I'm so pleased to hear you've been so moved by the film. Thank you so much.

[@gemabocardo7503]

Soy una apasionada de los cortos de animación. He visto miles. Y este es uno de los mejores. Es magnífico. Saludos desde España.

[@florivot]

Thank you so much!

[@lucascampanatiescaleira9112]

it's always a treat to come by an animation movie in my recommendations. thank you for this, Emerson

[@florivot]

Thank you for watching! 💚

[@elizabethbrauer1118]

Thank you for this beautiful short. Loved the sweet, comforting story _without CGI._ We could use more of this! BTW, I live in the hometown of Will Vinton - Portland, Oregon. Have great respect for stop motion and claymation.

[@Visvogl]

Very beautiful, held me spellbound, which is rare these days. Why can't the dog come with?!?

[@manixburn6403]

It has a role to fulfill, i suppose, it's a blessing and a curse in some way, it has no leash.

[@Visvogl]

@@manixburn6403 It's a person, too, but they don't see that. Why do you say it's a curse? In what way?

[@manixburn6403]

@@Visvogl Most of time we don't choose or forget the role we have to play and it's painful. From his point of view people, reject and fear him, he seen has a monster. And it can see fear and pain in there eye, so what if he is also compassionate. It has to run, to trap, to hunt, all appearing intent against him, even if his only an agent of the order of things. He doesn't ignore and yet it has to be judge from those who ignore another level of reality. that seems to be a burden.

[@Visvogl]

@@manixburn6403 interesting. I'll think on this. Yesterday was Sunday and I told my dog: we walk wherever you want to. He led me iff our usual paths to a restaurant we'd never been before. I had no money. Turns out they do exhibitions, and they liked my art...

[@From_Ether]

Really impressed by the facial expressions getting clean changes on clay is very tricky, especially with the crying?! Very nice work :)

[@shoeboot1346]

Incredibly beautiful artistry and the meaning and story is so well communicated with barely any words. Lovely :)

[@darinarrowood7990]

Please don't stop producing, this is rare and you get it, please continue :)

[@irascendedkitten7450]

Thanks for portraying the kind side of my favorite cryptid.

[@catiaf540]

Wonderful and moving, music perfectly matching. Congratulations and thank you so much for sharing!

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much. It was a pleasure to write the music for such a special film, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.

[@ariadnaltos]

Beautiful!! Great directing and character animation. Both of them felt completely alive and real

[@sadariuswolf]

This is absolutely fantastic work. You should be very proud. Your character designs are very unique and well done. You found a lot of fantastic silhouettes and poses that create very flattering pictures of your models. The sound design is also heckin fantastic. I love the choice to use one line in the whole piece. You don't expect... well the whole top down shot of the bed is entirely unexpected. It subverts expectations right at the top and then the rest of the time it subverts itself by not relying on more words. The music and foley are perfect and I was really impressed with the quality of that and everything for a piece done under the pressure of university. I can't wait to see more of your work!

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much for such kind words. It was such a pleasure to work with Emerson on Shuck, and an absolute joy to write the musical score. I'm so pleased to hear that it resonated with you. Thank you.

[@bakerteacher2905]

I love this type of animation...though it's never made me cry before. Stunning piece of work.

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much for watching and your kind words!

[@Art-ificial_I-ntelligence]

I knew this would be deep but wasn't expecting to bawl my eyes out lol

[@ApproximatelyCee]

Wonderful story. I love how you took an interesting place, a sweet fluffy dog, and love, and incorporated them with the legend of Black Shuck as the grim reaper into your interesting story.

[@clacclackerson3678]

Thank you, I was moved.

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you for watching. I'm so pleased to hear you were moved by the film, it is a special piece.

[@catpoke9557]

Oh boy! A random well-animated short film that was brought to me by the KZbin algorithm and will surely not make me very sad! My favorite!

[@Ehh97]

Oh this was wonderful. I am a sucker for gentle portrayals of death. And reshaping and old myth like this was very creative. Beautifully done!

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you for watching.

[@feliciamarie6395]

im in tears. beautiful, outstanding work!!

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much for watching. I'm pleased to hear you enjoyed it and that it moved you.

[@vallamb9499]

Fabulous, thank you

[@DaveTexas]

As someone who has been dead for several minutes, I can tell you that dying is nothing at all like this. There’s no one waiting, there’s no one to take you anywhere, and there’s no light. It’s just…nothingness. It’s exactly like it was before you were born.

[@najgarcia410]

You also did a good job in using the right soundtrack. Beautiful work.

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so so much. It means a lot to hear that you enjoyed the music. It was an absolute joy to write the score for this, and watching the final film is such a pleasure to see and hear all the work come together. Thank you!

[@ranmad415]

Gorgeous and moving. Thank you for creating this. Enjoy the day!

[@leeannacall4712]

So sad, yet so beautiful.

[@dad2022]

Powerful. You have a storytelling gift. Don’t quit.

[@Fox_Squash]

Anyone else think this was an SCP animation before watching lol? There is an SCP called Black Shuck, it’s a big black dog that cause people or a family member to die after looking at it, if I remember correctly. Fantastic short tho

[@MasonMcLeodFilms]

All of 5 minutes and one of the most moving things I’ve seen in a long while

[@alistairbrown965]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@millsy1387]

This is such a great thing. Thank you

[@rinay105]

This is beautiful. I had not heard of Black Shuck before; thank you for the kind introduction 💜

[@thenerdasaurus3717]

This pup reminds me of the black wolf from Fantastic Mr. Fox. Majestic, ominous, and beautiful :)

[@benmatthews3190]

This is absolutely incredible! The visual storytelling was beautiful and conveyed so much in such a short amount of time! Looking forward to seeing whatever you make next!!

[@ajf8499]

Beautiful film.

[@Wolfie2250]

I love this beautiful work of art. I am reminded of a black shadowy dog that appeared before me with red shadowy eyes once while I was facing the mirror. Once I turned I saw them, almost like a wolf.

[@euskir]

Simple, moving, superb movie. Sencilla, conmovedora, estupenda película.

[@Stooartluv11]

Super underrated. ❤

[@pulseantarctica]

a struggle not to cry in witness of such a beautiful piece of art. well done Emerson.

[@princesskaguya2000]

oh my goodness, this was beautiful. incredible piece.

[@seesafar9912]

An extraordinary stroke of Luck had me find this beautiful and perfectly done Film. Well done. Thank you.

[@mollybanystsky9729]

This is so beautiful. So well done.