Is Formless Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2023)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary, Animation cinema, the 2023 release of Formless stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Every person is born without conditioning. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, Animation are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Every person is born without conditioning. They are raised and taught who they are and who they should become. They’re expected to fit into an idealized mold of the perfect “boy” or “girl.” What happens when someone doesn’t fit that mold… Through interviews paired and poetic images Formless creates a portrait of the trans body. The film pairs sketched animations with live-action bodies to match and highlight differences in body shapes and to create a contrast between the “ideal” mold of a gendered body and the real bodies that trans and gender non-conforming people live in. It is an honest exploration of dysphoria, euphoria, and the molds that society offers. The body is a deeply personal thing to many trans people and this film explores the unique ways trans people experience their bodies in modern society; the liberation of stepping outside of those molds and the liberation of fitting within them."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Tristan Seecheran, the performance in Formless feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Dani Meisner is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 6 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Formless truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, Animation, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Formless explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2023 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Dani Meisner respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Formless is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Tristan Seecheran or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Formless is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.