Love, Death + Robots, Netflix’s highly acclaimed sci-fi anthology series, returned for its fourth season on May 15, once again featuring a lineup of beautifully animated short films from a diverse range of creators.
If you found yourself wondering where you’ve seen some of these art styles before, or just want to check out some of the studios’ previous work, we’ve got you covered with this deep dive. Keep in mind this article will briefly describe the premise of each short featured in Season 4 – so you might want to skip this one if you want to go in blind!
Can’t Stop
Can’t Stop reimagines a 2023 concert by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, turning band members Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante (who also return to voice themselves) into highly realistic, but fully computer-animated, string puppets.
The short is directed by David Fincher of Gone Girl and The Social Network fame, and was animated by Blur Studio, who also worked on the Warhammer 40,000 and Exodus episodes of Secret Level. League of Legends players will know them as the studio behind the Warriors cinematic.
Close Encounters of the Mini Kind
Using tilt-shit techniques to depict an alien invasion in miniature form, Close Encounters of the Mini Kind puts a unique spin on a classic sci-fi trope.
The short was directed and animated by BUCK, the studio behind the memorable FedEx: Tall Tales of True Deliveries and Get an Airbnb ads.
Spider Rose
This short takes place in the same universe as Swarm from Volume 3 of Love, Death + Robots, written by sci-fi author Bruce Sterling (who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of cyberpunk), and directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson, who helmed both Kung Fu Panda 2 and 3.
“Spider Rose” is another Blur Studio creation, following a grieving Mechanist and her new companion, as they get revenge against the Shaper assassin who killed her husband.
400 Boys
An adaptation of a short story of the same name by Marc Laidlaw, 400 Boys takes place in a post-apocalyptic city, where warring gangs are forced to unite when a new gang, the 400 Boys, come to town.
The animated short comes from Passion Animation, who also produced Ice and “Zima Blue” for previous seasons of Love, Death + Robots. They also provided animation for Wes Anderson’s adaptation of Fantastic Mr. Fox, as well as the Ant-Man and Rocket & Groot animated shorts.
The Other Large Thing
American sci-fi author John Scalzi tells the story of a cat named Sanchez, who plans to take over the world with the help of his enthusiastic new robot butler (voiced by Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, to boot).
This short comes from the Russo Brothers’-led AGBO, who mainly work on visual effects-heavy live-action projects. Their most recent productions include The Electric State, The Legend of Ochi, and Everything, Everywhere All At Once.
Golgotha
A rare live-action instalment of the series, Golgotha stars Rhys Darby (of What We Do In The Shadows fame) as a vicar, who meets an alien that believes his species’ messiah has been reborn on Earth… as a dolphin.
Golgotha was created by renowned Hollywood VFX studio Luma Pictures, who provided visual effects for films such as Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur
The third Blur Studios creation on this list, The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur sees aristocrats gathering to witness a brutal gladiator match – featuring genetically modified warriors riding dinosaurs.
The film is an adaptation of a short story by Stant Litore, and even features a voice role from YouTuber Mr. Beast.
How Zeke Got Religion
Set during World War Two, the crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress Liberty Belle take on an unusual mission: bombing a church before the Nazis can raise an ancient evil. The film is based on a short story by author John McNichol.
How Zeke Got Religion was animated by Titmouse, who also created the Netflix animated series Jentry Chau Vs. The Underworld.
Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners
Another short written by John Scalzi, Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners features various household appliances complaining about their respective humans – from an angry toothbrush to an overworked shower head.
The film was crafted by VFX studio The Aaron Sims Company, who also provided visual effects for blockbusters such as X-Men First Class, The Amazing Spider-Man and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
For He Can Creep
An adaptation of a short story by Siobhan Carroll, a poet in 1700s London believes that Satan wants him to write a verse that will end the world – and the only thing standing in his way is his cat, Jeoffry.
Animation for For He Can Creep was provided by Polygon Pictures, the animation studio behind Kaina of the Great Snow Sea and The Idolmaster Shiny Colors.
