‘Sharon and the Vege Plot’, created by John M. Brooks, is a quirky, live-action puppetry short that dives into the garden drama of soft toy characters. We meet Sharon (a rabbit, voiced by Francine Farley) and her girlfriend Victoria (another rabbit, voiced by Mandy McCullough), whose cozy garden life suddenly turns suspicious when an unexpected visitor appears. Mr. Redboro, a wily fox voiced by Brooks, shows an odd interest in Sharon’s family vegetable patch, triggering Sharon’s protective instincts.
This film’s world is created with puppetry and soft toys, and though clearly low-budget, it has a charm that keeps you engaged. The puppetry craftsmanship is impressive given the modest production, with Brooks using each character’s simplicity to play up the humor and warmth of this story. The voice acting, especially from Farley, feels organic and brings a personality to Sharon’s garden obsession that makes her both endearing and a little intense.
The plot thickens when Sharon wakes up to find some of her vegetables mysteriously missing. Her focus on her beloved veg starts to impact her relationship with Victoria, who’s left a bit on the sidelines. As Sharon grows increasingly suspicious of Mr. Redboro, the tone shifts into an intriguing, albeit miniature, investigative drama. Is the sly fox really behind the theft? Sharon follows her suspicions, and the film turns into a gentle mystery filled with small, entertaining twists.
‘Sharon and the Vege Plot’ may be a homemade-style production, but it’s commendably crafted and genuinely endearing. Brooks’ voice acting adds flair to Mr. Redboro, and the story, while simple, entertains with its grounded storytelling and charming, low-stakes suspense.
