A Single Life

 

This animated short film created by Job, Joris & Marieke addresses the passage of time in an interesting way, making it both creative and symbolic. The story unfolds when a woman, about to have dinner, receives a mysterious vinyl record, which she plays on her turntable. To her surprise, as she moves the needle forward or backward, she realizes she can fast-forward or rewind time and, therefore, the stages of her life.

The record, which initially seemed like an irrelevant object, transforms into a mechanism that allows her to experience key moments of her life. From her childhood to her old age, these stages are quickly explored as she manipulates the vinyl.

During her childhood, the woman used to enjoy simple moments, like playing or dancing carefree. Afterward, she experiences the responsibilities and complexities of adulthood, including events like marriage and motherhood. However, when she fast-forwards the record too much, she finds herself facing her old age and, with it, the end of her life.

These processes are presented symbolically, and the message is conveyed subtly: life is short, and every decision affects one’s destiny. At first, the record is manipulated with curiosity and excitement, but by the end, when time cannot be reversed, nostalgia and regret are perceived.

In the past, it can be assumed that the woman would think about her future without worrying too much, but as she confronts her destiny, she seems to understand the importance of living each moment fully.

The short film also shows how thinking about or being overly aware of the past or the future can alter reality, preventing the enjoyment of life’s simplicity and the present moment. We see how the woman skips stages without giving herself the opportunity to live them, emphasizing that time cannot be stopped and that life should be valued at every stage. This leaves a powerful reflection on the inevitable passage of time.

Influence of Traditions

In this short film, the influence of traditions is presented in a more subtle and abstract way. The protagonist is confronted by the passage of time and the decisions made throughout her life, demonstrating how past experiences are replayed and how significant moments in life are often revisited.

In this case, family decisions and traditional expectations of what is expected from someone used to be less questioned, but now they are altered by the protagonist’s personal choices. By manipulating time, she is given the opportunity to redirect her future and reshape the course of her family traditions.