"Change The Ending"

21 September 2023

2 mins

Tragic Tale

What happens in the aftermath of 'happily ever after?' That's the premise of this deeply poignant piece of work for Alzheimer's Research UK, which opens with the triumphant slaying of a dragon and rescue of a damsel in distress. Some dragons are a lot less killable, however... and the most deadly can't even be seen.

Olivia Colman provides a warm voiceover for the animated film, which inexorably draws viewers into what begins as a fantastical tale. As the central couple grow older, and Prince Charming begins to suffer from memory loss, the story becomes more relatable to the everyday people watching.

While there is (understandably) often a focus primarily on the people caring for those with dementia, here that's blended emotively with insights into the Prince's own mind. His confusion and fear are captured in nightmarish fashion, making it gut-wrenchingly clear that both characters are suffering immensely.

The story could have been left as a fable, but the final reveal, including a switch to live action, hammers home the fact the same battles are being fought every day all over the UK. This is a very moving piece of filmmaking, and will touch the hearts of those who have encountered the devastation of dementia first hand.

UK

Charities