Mantis Boy

A gentle, bittersweet animated short that moves between painful memory and warm childhood joy, inviting quiet reflection.

Genres

Animation, Fantasy, Drama

Starring

Ken Bray, Alontae Myson Williams, Micah Tsekiri

Tagline

Mantis Boy

Overview

Mantis Boy is a short film that serves as a prelude to Boy Soul Man Heart. It follows 14-year-old Mathias, who, struggling with trauma, retreats into a childhood memory of learning to ride a bicycle with his mother, Belinda. As she removes his training wheels, she teaches him resilience and hope, reassuring him that falling isn't failure. The film contrasts Mathias's painful present with the warmth of his past, using vibrant animation to show his joy and the symbolic mantis of encouragement. Mantis Boy explores love, resilience, and the lasting impact of memories, highlighting how embracing both light and darkness can heal and empower.

How it feels

Melancholic, warm, earnest and uplifting. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Trauma, memory, healing, parenthood

Content

No violence, gore, sexual content or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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