Review: Ovary-Acting

Remember the incredible stop-motion magic of Ida Melum’s “Night of the Living Dread,” the short that snagged BAFTA and Annie Award nominations? Well, get ready because Melum is back with another stop-motion gem, and it’s absolutely fantastic!

Titled “Ovary-Acting,” this new short is poised to make a splash on the festival circuit. It’s officially slated to have its world premiere at the prestigious 2025 Tribeca Film Festival as part of a curated selection of animated shorts by none other than Whoopi Goldberg! Talk about a huge endorsement!

So, what’s “Ovary-Acting” all about? Well, buckle up for a comedic and deeply personal exploration into the emotional rollercoaster of considering parenthood in today’s world. The film tackles biology, ethics, practicality, and bodily autonomy with a healthy dose of wit, honesty, cheek, and – of course – meticulously handcrafted stop-motion animation.

Melum has once again teamed up with the brilliant BAFTA-nominated writer Laura Jayne Tunbridge (known for “Sweetpea” and “Requiem”), whose layered and incisive script perfectly balances humor with genuine heart. The film boasts a talented cast featuring Synnøve Karlsen (from “Last Night in Soho” and “Miss Austen”) and Sofia Oxenham (of “Extraordinary” fame).

Bringing this miniature world to life is an impressive international crew. Kjersti Greger (from Norway’s “Klipp og Lim”), Michelle Brøndum (of the UK’s Jante Films), and Johan Edström (from Sweden’s Apparat Filmproduktion AB) are on producing duties, bringing a wealth of festival know-how and creative vision to the project.

The visual style is spearheaded by production and character designer Svein Erik Okstad (known for “Fanitullen” and “Bug City”). His intricate designs and handcrafted environments are set to add a ton of charm and emotional resonance to the film. Veteran puppet animation cinematographer Jøran Wærdahl, with 25 years of experience at Klipp og Lim, is handling the Director of Photography role, ensuring the visuals are nothing short of stunning.

Melum also reunites with her editor Lesley Posso (“Broken Bird,” “Turn Up the Sun!”), whose award-winning talent undoubtedly helps shape the film’s perfect pace and tone. And the soundtrack? Add in a playful and charming score by Joseph Stevenson (“Mayflies,” “His Dark Materials”) alongside an extravagant original song by Alastair McNamara (“Pangolin: Kulu’s Journey,” “The Other Fellow”), which is described as an homage to Broadway and classic Hollywood musicals! Color me intrigued!

“Ovary-Acting” will have its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival on June 7th at 5:30 pm at the Shorts Theater in Spring Studios.