I’ve loved stop-motion animation for a long time, and thankfully, the medium is being given back to indie animators. Such is the case of Michael Granberry and his haunting short film Les Bêtes.
Les Bêtes opens on a darkened night in a small town. Twigs and leaves strewn on the sidewalks come to life and begin dancing, only to be interrupted by a tall broom creature. Instantly, a giant rat creature appears with a key on each of its tentacles. The rat opens doors throughout the city and releases a host of strange and fantastical creatures from the ground, sea, and air.
The rat beckons these creatures to a giant throne room where the creatures can dance and party for the royal onlookers. As the night progresses and the partying continues, the royals become bored and start bullying and torturing the strange creatures. As the chaos intensifies, there is a knock at the door.

“The rat beckons these creatures to a giant throne room where the creatures can dance and party…”
If you like your short films a bit dark yet poignant in the end, Les Bêtes delivers. Inspired by the animation style of the 1930s Ladislas Starevich, director/animator Michael Granberry created incredibly detailed puppets ranging from pieces of litter and foliage to mythical creatures, snooty humans, and even more menacing creatures. The animation is incredible, as this story became a COVID-19 passion project for Granberry.
As a backyard gardener, the film’s message resonates with me as from primal chaos comes great beauty.
Les Bêtes captivated me with its dark, whimsical charm and stunning stop-motion craftsmanship. Michael Granberry’s passion for the medium shines through every frame, drawing me into a world where chaos and beauty dance together in eerie harmony. If you have a soft spot for the macabre and a love for intricate animation, this short film is a gem you won’t want to miss.