LAUNDROMAT: Small Scale Short Animation With Beautiful Intimacy

Though primarily lauded for their comedic capacity because of studios like Pixar and Warner Bros., the animated short as a medium has a well-explored complexity that deserves greater exposure. Restricted somewhat in one sense by their length, they have the upper hand of being able to present almost any kind of image in any way, both in terms of content and stylistically.

While director Madeleine Sayers’ film Laundromat keeps its subject down to Earth, her depiction of the mundane is filled with charm and poignancy.

A Day In The Life

Keeping its focus on twenty-four hours within an anonymous laundromat, the short has a reverence for the slow everyday, reminiscent of scenes from Ghibli films, like the train ride in Spirited Away or the farming in Only Yesterday. Nothing much happens in this film to report, and I imagine that’s the way its creator intended – yet, I felt as though it was more authentic than some shorts with a more clear cut narrative progression. The lack of action encourages you to focus on the details, however menial, and noticing subtle touches like the different silhouettes of outfits and the similarity in some characters’ poses reminds you of the quiet fun of people-watching.

Movement and Stillness

Through a style that combines clean lines with energetically sketched backgrounds, Laundromat manages to give a simultaneous feel of dynamism and tranquility, that relates perfectly to the theme of unremarkable daily life. Even at the points where the onscreen characters are totally still, the whirring and spiraling of the washing machines reminds you that time is still moving, and life keeps on going. This is an animation where the movement of a stranger feels momentous and the spin cycle can represent the forward march of routine.

Quiet Moments Of Humanity

But the most memorable and moving moments in this sweet short are between the people depicted at this laundromat, brought together almost by chance. The acts of kindness on display may be small, like giving someone your extra soda, but they serve as a sweet reminder of human compassion, even between people who may be nothing alike. People from a similar economic background may gather at this laundromat purely for the sake of washing their clothes, but their unity and politeness in doing so is quietly heartwarming.

Conclusion: Laundromat

With a simple premise and gorgeously pared down visuals, Laundromat is a wonderful short that perfectly captures a tiny facet of the human experience that can go easily unnoticed amongst the chaos of everyday life. Sit down with a hot drink and this film, and think on the small, beautiful things in life.

What do you think? Did you enjoy this warm and earnest short as much as I did? Let me know in the comments!

Laundromat premiered at the 2018 Edinburgh International Film Festival.