In the Shadow of the Cypress Reviews

fantastic

Absolutely gorgeous animation and a story that allows its animation to tell the story. The experimental nature of the story didn’t always work for me, but I can’t deny its effectiveness.

7/10

idk what the meaning was ngl, but the color scheme and art was cool

6.2 - Maybe my favorite of the 2025 Oscar Animated Shorts style wise but it took a little too much for me to understand the message they were wanting to convey.

What initially read as an escape for DV situation, I think was meant to read as a lasting effects of PTSD situation. But I struggle because as much as the father went through to try & prove himself to & to help his daughter, the opening actions are never addressed as well as I think they needed to be. It felt on first watch that it was excusing DV because it was a result of PTSD & because he’s trying (sort of), & I don’t think I can vibe with that being the message to walk away with initially.

After reading more on the symbolism of the ship, the whale, the sea, and the title and meaning of a Cypress tree in Persian culture, I understand there were meant to be multiple interpretations & layers. But I hoped for a more direct message when dealing with such a limited amount of room to tell your story.

But stylistically, the animation is simple & soft which plays really well in opposition of the subject matter. Additionally, the sound & music really emphasized a lot of the emotional beats. While I don’t think I loved it, I absolutely respect how much it made me think, & would not be surprised at all to have this be the winner of the set.