Under The Thicket | Animated Short Film

[@mikaylastark6531]

Somehow i get the feeling that that grave belonged to the ghost.. there really is something intensely haunting and melancholy about a ghost putting flowers on their own grave because no one else can or will

[@potayto_potahto]

“I will buy myself flowers 🎵 🎶 “

[@alexjewett7455]

That would make sense, but it makes me wonder, who buried them? Someone had to care enough to set all this up. And why are they buried in the middle of the woods?

[@hollymckirgan862]

"Write my name in the sand​"🎵🎶🎵@@potayto_potahto

[@incognitofishburrito-roblo5502]

@@alexjewett7455maybe the ghost liked to be in nature before they died? Idk

[@goteamslugs]

True . .

[@mariapazgonzalezlesme]

It's impressive how managed to capture so much emotion without need any need of dialogue. And the use of lightning and ambience color changes that what started as wholesome, ending in such melancholic tune.

[@calebrateds]

Glad you noticed the lighting shift! I tried to make the sun move through pretty much every shot, and goes through a sped up morning - night cycle

[@MiriamMillen]

​@@calebrateds It was an absolutely gorgeous piece the movement was magical! Could you fill us in a little on the meaning behind it? Thank you!

[@manguymanfellaman]

The way I interpret the story is that the grave at the end is the ghosts grave. I mean, the first shot of "diner" becoming "die" is there for a reason. I think the story is about accepting death, that dying is the final destination and to enjoy the steps you take to get there.

[@mythra7174]

And the ghost was eating with Death. (So it appeared).

[@celestebergin1468]

I completely agree, I thought the same exact thing: Acceptance

[@JoRiver11]

And the ghost remembered to bring sardines for their kitty.

[@sleepypossumn]

every frame can be used as wallpaper omg this whole thing is breathtaking

[@NPC-bs3pm]

😮🖼You are right! With the google-chrome feature I can right-click (twice) 🖱and get a "copy video frame" at high resolution!

[@Jimathythedude-lk9pr]

a reply

[@NPC-bs3pm]

@@Jimathythedude-lk9pr My reply was deleted (automatically) . Testing is it there 3 2 1.

[@NPC-bs3pm]

@@Jimathythedude-lk9pr Wow your reply get through!

[@NPC-bs3pm]

@@Jimathythedude-lk9pr A reply is possible?

[@patchesheadphones3570]

I can't imagine how much work was put in for this short. You have a real talent for drawing nature. Just the little details add so much to the story. You did a wonderful job!! I can't wait to see more from you.

[@calebrateds]

Thank you! Yeah this was a bit of an undertaking, but I'm real happy with the end result. Can't wait to get started on the next one :)

[@birrbie]

im too stupid to understand what’s going on, but I feel like Im feeling the same emotions as the characters in the short film. thats proof of a good, well written story.

[@OGCalicant]

Same

[@Visvogl]

If you feel all the feelings, you have understood. That is the meaning of art.

[@timgunderson4784]

Same.

[@redcandi01]

Death is your guide to the afterlife. To get there maybe you have to accept your passing. The ghost needed help finding their grave so they could finally move on... I think❤

[@nagyakos8467]

Why was this recommended to me when I looked up horror animations? This isn't horror, this is pure, unfiltered beauty and emotion in all of its forms.

[@coribug42]

Maybe the very short POV in the credits.

[@donfbleach9795]

The environment shots in this are seriously beautiful

[@AndreSkipper]

You managed to make a levitating blanket walk, along other things of course. Best Blender animation I've seen in a while... Silly latin word "animation": being alive, having a soul... Fitting autumn and october, I'm in love and in need of several rewatches 💔

[@lisahoshowsky4251]

I was almost convincing myself it wasn’t blender because even though it has the vibe it’s honestly the best blender animation I’ve personally ever seen! The emotion they got into it was incredible.

[@Voxen712]

gorgeous foliage, composition and rendering. the ambient sirens with shattered glass in the outro make me think the gravestone could have belonged to someone close to the ghost, who might have ended in an accident of sorts

[@frostfang1]

I was thinking ghost was on their way to visit the grave, and died instead. After a cuppa, with grim, death allowed ghost to complete the journey and put flowers on the grave, because it was an honoring and acceptance of him. After the journey is complete...well now it's the ghosts own fate that must be processed and grieved. The living keep moving while death stands still.

[@Closi]

Great Animation! The sound design was phenomenal and cozy. It felt like a very personal project. Even when some movements seemed to be clipping, it had one of the most interesting animation styles I've seen recently

[@Closi]

I also loved how the side angle of the ghost in front of the grave made it look like a realistic woman, temporarily letting us forget the comical cartoonish blanket with big eyes

[@sarahallenhumboldt2638]

The spirit wanting to take care of a kitty still in its body is very touching; thank you.

[@metermorphose]

Oh, I love the translucence in your pictures, the play of light and shadow, the movement of light. Whereas each single picture is so artistic. Special and beautiful 4:47. Love and loyalty surrounded by a Haiku.

[@sheebitz]

This is so beautiful

[@emmalumley5544]

I love watching the ghost blush 😊

[@Padawancoding]

This took you a hell of a time to make but got awarded for it in your home town. Congratulations Caleb.

[@spaceagepenguin]

This… this is beautiful. It takes me back to the old Halloween specials I used to watch as a kid, back when spooky things were simple and had a friendliness to them. I am not only stunned but also impressed at how amazing the aesthetics and character designs are. And the fact that this is silent is just the cherry on top! Well done on a new Halloween favorite!

[@stevebaker9928]

Wow, this is phenomenal! The story, the mood, the animation, the cinematography, the lighting, the environments; perfection! Since we're all guessing, here's my take: Death has given him the map to his own grave so he can finally move on. The heartbreaking thing about is that I suspect the cat was his. Out of everything that might be important to a ghost, why else would he be carrying a can of sardines? And notice how the cat leads him to the grave at 2:45. He knew where it was and remains close out of love. Who was "Under the Thicket?" The cat. Caleb, we need to know!

[@celestebergin1468]

I like this interpretation, because the ghost's eyes have pink lights underneath them about the cat....that certainly could indicate love

[@ArtisticVisions05]

This style of animation is absolutely breathtaking and the character designs are both cute and chilling. What a charming animation. If this was ever turned into a cozy video game I would play it for hours

[@thunderpigg3410]

i like how it says "DIE" instead of "DINER"

[@TRXST.ISSUES]

Who the hell can make a low poly leaf falling feel emotional? Freaking masterful creation.

[@SubsurfaceTalks]

This was brilliant! Breathtakingly beautiful. And the Grieg's music in the finale fit just perfectly. I'm just gonna rewatch...

[@JenOween]

This is breathtaking. I love the shot of the ghost moving through the forest and seeing the trees and sunlight through the ghost's, uh, "body". And the music was perfection.

[@cavecavecavecave5295]

Calendar my friend. That was absolutely beautiful. I loved how you gave the cat a little shimmy, before it jumped out of the tree. Those kinds of observations are priceless. Bravo my friend, bravo. X

[@tylermacdonald8924]

I would love to see what you can do on a bigger budget. This was delightful, love the art style

[@Çåłíșǎùćę]

YO OMG THIS IS SO FREAKING AMAZING!! KEEP UP THE BEYOND AMAZING WORK!!! YOU SHOULD GET AN AWARD FOR THIS!!!

[@calebrateds]

Thank you so much!!

[@Çåłíșǎùćę]

@@calebrateds Yw!!

[@CrowSkeleton]

So pretty! I love the colours and Death hanging out with this wandering little soul, presumably dispensing advice whilst mysterously annihilating coffee...

[@twigtarsier]

woah holy i just checked your subscriber count expecting you to have tens or even hundreds of thousands of subscribers! This is so underrated. This short film is so beautiful and made me feel many different emotions while watching it. My favourite shot was at 1:48, the light through the leaves casting shadows on the cloth looks so good. I am really excited to see what you can make in the future! Subbed!

[@Talkingpage]

First of all: beautiful and moving! I think I got it. You must pay attention to the images at the very end, after the ghost puts flowers on the grave. As I understand it: the ghost once was a customer of the diner. He arrives in what I believe is a taxy or his own car (we see the windshield of a car, rain coming down, with the outside moving view, then stopping in front of the diner). Then we see the broken window of the diner, we hear police sirens, we see the silohuette of what must be a cop runnig, and in the end we see what must be the red and blue flashing lights of a police car. As I said, the ghost was once a customer who died inside the diner during a robbery, when the robber shot with a gun, hitting the window but also hitting and killing the customer. At the beginning Death is showing him a map to find his grave to let him know what happenend. The grave in the middle of nowhere is just a metaphorical representation of the fact that he's dead. Maybe he owned a cat, maybe the cat died before him and now they are together, or maybe the cat is another metaphor. Not sure about that. I hope I interpreted this masterpiece well ♥

[@nomiavila2319]

Me encantó, coincido totalmente 🥰

[@Dalekzilla]

I think the cat was the his cat in life, and it ran away and lived in the woods after he passed on, and now he returns to take care of it.....then proceeds on to visit his own, lonely grave. So beautiful.

[@NextRomana]

Lush , whimsical, sweet, and then… gutting. The ghost is so gracefully animated. It’s a lovely autumn day inland the forest is brimming with life. The cat is a playful and a bit of almost comic-relief. The ghost is amusing with its little tote bag, flowers, and sardines. Then you discover the map is to a grave. We remember ghosts are dead souls and this one has found its own grave to fulfill its purpose to haunt. “Aase’s Death” swells and the scene shifts to black night. It’s really beautifully thought out and heart-wrenching. Thank you.

[@shanarandom]

Listen, I’m not crying you’re crying. That was such a beautiful story. I cried cuz it reminded me of someone named Caleb, who I met in the forest then ghosted me, and his name ironically popped up on the screeen and I cried harder. Brilliant, masterpiece. Love it.

[@Ewp05]

This was so good! A ghost putting flowers in their own grave is both heartbreaking and beautiful

[@emi5905]

3:03 oh my god, I want to just have the letters RIP on my grave. This was so funny for no reason

[@not.krosshair]

RIP stands for rest in peace. It is commonly on graves.

[@wellmealkledmain6927]

@@not.krosshair he means probably that there is no name. just RIP. nothing else.

[@DenseMelon]

@@wellmealkledmain6927 hopefully lol

[@cpt.keaton]

that shot starting at 2:41 is BEAUTIFULLY composed. Good work!

[@youremakingprogress144]

That opening scene told me right away I was seeing something special.

[@essexistsprobably]

This is really cool artstyle wise, the coloring sets the mood for each scene very well, and I love the contrast between the first scene and the rest of the film, up to them getting to the grave (which the mood switch up there was also so cool). Hope this gets more attention, this is a really sweet film

[@melissarmt7330]

Great film and I loved the way you did the end credits.

[@OneTyphun]

this was amazing! the stylization is phenomenal especially the environments interior and exterior, also great simple story! would love to see how those environments were crafted! can't wait to see more of your work!

[@N-cromancer]

How is it that this is 20 hours old but i swear ive SEEN this somewhere. Deja vu. Well made very eerie and calm

[@lightningterry]

Feels very over the garden wall/coroline/paranorman. They all have this vibe 😊

[@shmooples]

The animation of the ghost, the sheet moving over a body that is no longer there, is fantastic. So clever. A really beautiful film!

[@shortoftheweek]

Nicely done Caleb!

[@ThePleasantPestilence]

This art style is just beautiful! It's one of those styles that combines 2D and 3D perfectly together.

[@shade767]

I love how detailed everything is! The lighting is amazing

[@elleeeason-1023]

Oh my god this is stunning. The environments, the colors, I can’t even image how much work this must have taken

[@alyssabullock6421]

oh this is GORGEOUS ! I'm in love with the art direction and soothing "show dont tell" storytelling!

[@laurapaglia8229]

Why doesn't this have 50 million views? So sweet and melancholic, amazing music... and a cat. No need whatsoever to find any meaning, I "just" enjoyed it. Thank you, you gifted me 5 delightful minutes.

[@Mooli3878]

The use of music , the backgrounds , the lighting , the art style , and the execution of the whole story are absolutely phenomenal Well done sir! This deserves a lot of attention honestly

[@annabelalt1altaccount]

This looks absolutely beautiful. It reminds me of spider verse and nimona. You did a wonderful job!

[@kesai1999]

Loved this, really great job with the graphical detail and audio.

[@Tm2006-jj6iq]

Love the beautiful vibrant colors of the backgrounds you got the vibe of fall spot on

[@destiny8794]

Yo, this was so smooth, and the lighting was so good! The trees and leaves looked so realistic, and the light shining through was amazing!

[@Corvus7]

Such a brilliant execution, style is very unquie, can't imagine how much effort for required for the piece. I like emotional shift as well, very fitting for theme.

[@Asli_Dexter]

Bro this art style is really something…hoping you get some big project and we get to witness some film or series in this art style…I have watched it like 100 times already, it’s so beautiful.

[@user-zk8mb8ns1h]

Absolutely beautiful from start to finish! The composition and animation, the music, the use of colors and lighting - and of course, the story itself. I’m so intrigued. The grim reaper (I assume) at the diner, handing over what we realize later to be a map leading to the gravestone - is this a family member? A friend? I like how the ghost just carries around tins of sardines to make friends with cats, because Ghostie is obviously a cat lover (the little pink blushes were adorable). I also just love the idea of a ghost carrying around a tote bag! Too cute! This entire animation just gave me such slice-of-life vibes, cozy and tranquil. Even when we encounter the grave, it didn’t feel sad - rather, at least to me, it felt more like the kind of acceptance and fondness one would feel for an old friend, rather than grief. Thank you for creating and sharing such a masterpiece!

[@waterbear0860]

The colors add to the mood perfectly. This is so visually pleasing to look at and this is perfect for autumn. Great job and great storytelling!

[@JhoF79]

So beautiful and haunting, I'm definitely coming back here every year during this time. This short is such a vibe.

[@baron_von_yak3370]

super well made! you have every right to be incredibly proud of this one.

[@ryut]

An amazing masterpiece

[@CompressionMan]

I love the vibes on this so much! Well done, can't wait to see more.

[@HermitFanimations]

I had goosebumps throughout and suddenly burst into tears at the end. That sweet ghost absolutely stole my heart 🥺😭💖💖💖💖 I like that the sound design is focused more on the emotions rather than the physical surroundings; that little disconnect from the physical realm added a lot to the ghostly, spectral feeling! And can I just say- THIS IS SO GORGEOUS!!!!!!!! SO SO SOOOO GORGEOUS!!! The design, the COLOURSSS, the composition, all of that- SO GOOD!!! The framerate feels really intentional and adds even more beauty to the film!!!! I LOVED THIS 🥺

[@nuke2625]

yoo this was crazy good. i was hooked with the opening cabin/ diner visual alone. music is perfect too.

[@roseschwarz5339]

oh my! How beautifully crafted. I love this “art language”. Thank you so much. I had to pause ever so often to take it in. The ideas, like the flowers, death, the first god-like shot paired with the watchful eye in the sky in the grave scene. May you prosper and bring us way way more of those… wherever that came from. And I mean it in the best of ways. You’re rooted in something different.

[@curielux]

I look forward to your future content. This is thought provoking and absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.

[@SkullGamingShorts]

As a fellow filmmaker, I can only praise this beautiful work of art ❤

[@erinnorris6117]

This is incredible The animation is so good and there's so much story going on even if nothings being said out loud. I love this :)

[@LukeRotella]

This is a beautifully animated project, well done friend. Love, Death, and Black Cats.

[@bieuxyongson]

This was just beautiful. The interplay of light and shadow was lovely. The sad story with not a word spoken. Beautiful animated art.

[@emissary8071]

My goodness everything is so gorgeous!!! I love how the ghost moves with the fabric rustling. Also I adore the cats tail moving and how it walks! This whole thing, all of the details and trees and lighting, is all so beautiful and tells a really good story. Also the fact its all in Blender!?!?!? That is dedication.

[@joshuamyles4992]

One of the most beautiful animations I've seen in a while :-)

[@Sci-lives]

Serene, evocative, just beautiful Caleb 👏👏👏

[@k-onlegacy]

Films set solely in nature are always my favorite, so much effort in capturing the natural environment!! Lighting does so much too, love to see more projects in the future

[@sarahkennybatgirlone2359]

Just gorgeous art work! I wanted more. It was just beautiful to watch.

[@DenvernJune]

This is truly beautiful.

[@celestebergin1468]

I loved reading the comments here because I felt I got the jist (death is something we all must accept, even our own) but I completely missed that the cat was certainly the ghost's cat in life. Of course! Why didn't I think of that? It's just a brilliant animation ...a true magnum opus.

[@shadowscribbles9078]

This is absolutely STUNNING!! I love the little details of the outlines and every little thing even down to the smallest leaf if so amazing!!

[@Pinkflamingoos]

This is the most beautiful thing I've seen lately. Truly precious artwork, from the lighting, to the colours, to the expression in everything, it's been a while since I've been this amazed.

[@jokeyeetsy-dy4jn]

The plants and forest are absolutely beautiful, I can tell you’re absolutely amazing at making backgrounds and scenes!

[@cosmosmythos]

beautiful shots mate!

[@laz55555]

Very beautiful and quite touching. Particularly love the transparency of the ghost and the transitions of light. Thank you for sharing.

[@dizzyyzo1028]

I feel so honored to be in the first day of this amazing short films release, it's absolutely beautiful and I hope you continue on doing the projects you wish to make!!

[@yolandagutierrez2662]

Un corto maraviloso, y muy bonito de ver, la naturaleza con sus tonos, con su sol, sus penumbras, sus claros y màs obscuros, que feliz de le ve al fantasma apreciando todo esto, supongo le recordarà su vida y el amigo gato ganado por la latita de sardinas y la curiosidad, no se si ya se conocìan, llegan a la tumba y se quedan allì tan serenos, es hermoso todo de este corto y tierno❤❤😊

[@nadelorrevas7663]

The animation combined with the music truly makes this a wonderfully fantastic piece of art, many thanks to the artists that made this posible and shared it for us all to enjoy!

[@merya4]

I'll be waiting for more, Caleb. This is awesome. Amazing work!!

[@alaikajoialbito9525]

So my emotion is great and i'm touched

[@ChainikB]

Such unique style, every frame can be a wallpaper! I can't wait to see your future works!

[@RhynaX]

Beautiful! Love the art style reminds of "Seasons: a letter to the future" game

[@kailyeewhitted1763]

This is stunning! The backgrounds are breathtaking and I'm in love with the cartoonish nature of the ghost's expression overlapped with the background. There's something so hauntingly beautiful about a ghost ending their mundane day with placing flowers in their own grave.

[@GlasUndMetall]

@2:48 floating up this hill, what exquisite art. i don't know how I found this but wow, just so beautiful.

[@tretower57]

The exquisite animation, majestic scenery, the lovely score and poignant story lend a lyrical quality to this beautiful film. The feel of it reminds me a bit of Sylvain Chomet’s work.

[@P9_STUDIO]

Saw it at the BCON24 and fell in love with the lights, the shadows and the colors New sub! :)

[@j_animates]

dude this is so good. As someone who animates in 2d, 3d animation is beyaond me, and all of the colors and nautre is just beautiful! Fantastic job man, keep it up!

[@nickkinteris]

Genuinely enchanting stuff! I absolutely loved that opening sunrise sequence.

[@calebrateds]

Thanks Nick!

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

Gorgeous. That cat's walk across the path made me giggle. :)

[@aaronwallis5545]

I love this, it is gorgeous in so many ways, so much love has gone into this. The music was also just excellent and gets real clive barker going up the hill.

[@Tree-lw0]

This heavily stylized 3d animation turned me on 😂 good work

[@MelodiTheMess]

this is gorgeous

[@faizazaheer16]

This is what is called a prefect animation... Beautiful display of not only the Art but also Feelings.

[@internetdweller1961]

beautiful shading! Great composition too!!! I feel like so many 3d artists forget about what good cinematography can do!

[@rinnh8497]

This is incredible oh my gosh

[@calebrateds]

Thank you!