Directed by Chelsea Rugg, ‘Chapped’ is a short animation film that romanticizes two inanimate objects. The adventure-style narrative follows two separated lip balms on their quest to unite. The film contains no dialogue throughout and consists of traditional stop-motion animation techniques.
The 7-minute film opens in live action, where a young couple use their chap sticks before setting out for the day. After placing their lip-balms on their individual bedside tables, the short transitions to stop-motion where the lip-balms come to life. Separated by a large bed, the film observes their individual pursuits to unite. Utilizing bedroom items, ‘Chapped’ mimics a “globe-trotting” plot-line that is full of wit, charm and creativity. A thoroughly entertaining watch from start to finish.
Chelsea Rugg has created an endearing film that will captivate the viewer from the get go. The audience will feel a peculiar sense of empathy for the lip-balms, albeit with a comical undertone. Despite it’s low-budget still photography (shot by Jordan Goldston), the short is delivered with skill and creative ingenuity. Music plays a powerful role in the film, due to the absence of dialogue, which aids the tone remarkable. Chelsea Rugg deserves high praise for this outstanding animation – a promising talent to keep and eye on. A real treat to watch. Highly recommended.
