Mikael Trench’s ‘To Love a Ladybug’ is a short stop-motion animation film that captures the Parisian courtship of two contrasting insects – a cockroach and a ladybug. Delicately crafted by Trench and his creative team, including Shaurese Foster (Art Direction), the dialogue-free narrative is wildly endearing throughout – supported by a stellar original soundtrack by Mariana Calegari. With stylistic similarities to Disney’s 1996 fantasy feature ‘James and the Giant Peach’ – which has influenced Trench’s artistic ambition – the short is bound to bring a sense of nostalgia to the millennial generation.

The 5-minute romance opens with an unsightly and lonely cockroach at death’s door. Prior to the insect’s demise, it reminisces about a moment of passion and devotion after rescuing a vulnerable ladybird who is trapped in an upside-down glass. Their human-like courtship is certain to charm the audience. In spite of the film’s somber narrative climax, the overall tone is spiritually uplifting.

Mikael Trench deserves a respectful nod for effort for his neat technicality and engaging narrative. Set and puppet fabrication are delivered to a high-quality standard throughout – thanks to an adept team of artistic creatives. The stop-motion itself is admirably executed from start-to-finish and is finely complimented by Mariana Calegari’s romantic soundtrack ‘Quand Je T’ai Vu’. A sweet tale of sentimentally that shouldn’t be overlooked. Highly recommended.