If Anything Happens I Love You

"If Anything Happens I Love You" is a poignant and emotionally charged short film that delves into the depths of a parent's grief after losing their child in a senseless tragedy. The film, directed by Billy Lykken and Will McCormack, sheds light on the devastating effects of school shootings on families and communities, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. The story revolves around two characters, a mother and a father, who are grappling with their loss after the tragic death of their young child in a school shooting. The film does not explicitly depict the event, but the emotional toll it takes on the parents is palpable throughout the narrative. As they navigate their grief, they become isolated from each other, and their relationship begins to fray. The mother, voiced by Allison Jones, struggles to cope with her emotions, finding solace in her grief. She reminisces about her child, recalling memories of their time together and struggling to come to terms with the void left behind. The mother's pain is raw and visceral, as she grapples with the harsh reality of her loss. Her inner world is a whirlwind of emotions, as she vacillates between denial, anger, and despair. The father, voiced by Michael Chen, appears more stoic, struggling to find his footing in the face of his family's tragedy. His character is often at a loss for words, unable to articulate his emotions as he faces the unbearable fact of his child's passing. As the narrative unfolds, his inner turmoil is palpable, as he grapples with feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy. The once-strong father is now broken, struggling to come to terms with his inability to protect his child. Throughout the film, the mother and father embark on separate journeys, each trying to make sense of their loss in their own way. The use of subtle animation brings the narrative to life, allowing the viewer to experience the intensity of the characters' emotions. The animation technique, coupled with the voice acting, imbues the film with a sense of vulnerability and intimacy, drawing the audience into the world of the parents. As the narrative unfolds, the mother and father's relationship is put to the test. They begin to drift apart, struggling to find common ground in their grief. The couple's communication breaks down, leaving them feeling disconnected and isolated. In a poignant scene, they find themselves staring at a picture of their child, each lost in their own world of pain and sorrow. One of the most striking aspects of "If Anything Happens I Love You" is its refusal to offer easy answers or solutions to the trauma inflicted on the parents. There are no neat resolutions, no magical fixes that can heal the wounds of grief. Instead, the film presents a raw, unflinching portrayal of the emotional landscape of bereaved parents. The narrative is bookended by a heart-wrenching moment, as the mother writes a heartfelt letter to her child, pouring out her emotions in the hope that her child might hear her from the other side. The moment is both beautiful and devastating, as the mother's words hang in the air like a promise that is both impossible to fulfill and desperately needed. The film's use of animation is also noteworthy, as it allows the viewer to experience the inner lives of the parents in a way that feels both intimate and surreal. The animation is understated yet effective, imbuing the narrative with a sense of fragility and vulnerability. The use of muted colors and minimalist backgrounds adds to the sense of desolation and isolation, underscoring the sense of loss that pervades the narrative. In the end, "If Anything Happens I Love You" is a searing portrayal of grief, loss, and trauma. The film is unflinching in its portrayal of the devastating effects of school shootings on families and communities, offering a glimpse into the unseen world of bereaved parents. While the narrative is heartbreaking, it also offers a glimmer of hope – a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, love can be a source of strength and solace.