Exploring Loneliness, Connection, and Humanity in “Animal”

Ethan Hawkins, a filmmaker known for his character-driven sci-fi stories, takes audiences on a deeply emotional journey with co-director Taylor Bateman and his talented cast and crew in his latest short film, Animal. Set against the vast and isolating backdrop of space, the film explores themes of loneliness, connection, and the fundamental need for understanding between beings—whether human or machine.

“I’ve always been drawn to philosophical concepts,” Hawkins explains. “I wanted to realistically portray what it might be like to come face-to-face with an intelligent, superior being. Do they think like us? Do they observe time in the same way we do? I believe anything so advanced would likely view us as primitive, lesser creatures, beings to be captured and researched the same way we study animals on our planet.”

A Dynamic Relationship Between Human and Machine

At the heart of Animal lies the unique dynamic between Nora, a nonverbal human, and the Observer, a towering 8-foot-tall robot. Hawkins and his team worked extensively to bring this relationship to life through nuanced performances and innovative filmmaking techniques.

“Nora is in a permanent state of fight-or-flight, which inhibits her ability to communicate or reason with others,” Hawkins explains. “Our auditions didn’t have any lines or sides; we asked actors to act purely through body language and emotion. Their dynamic is like a cat-and-mouse game, with power shifting between them depending on the scene. Finding a relatable, genuine problem for them to share was key.”

Hawkins’ dedication to authenticity extended to the production design. The Observer’s imposing presence was achieved through practical effects and forced-perspective shots. “My production design team absolutely killed the spacecraft interior and helped bring the Observer to life with his many moving pieces. Watching our actors fully immersed in these settings was something else—we couldn’t get that with a green screen.”

A Personal Connection to the Story

Hawkins’ experience working on previous projects like Lake Bastion and Paradigm prepared him for the challenges of creating Animal. However, the inspiration for this film came from his philosophical musings and his love for retro sci-fi aesthetics.

“Animal was intentionally designed to emulate the retro sci-fi films of the ’70s and ’80s,” Hawkins says. “Fans of Star Wars, Alien, or Blade Runner will likely love the aesthetic. But more than that, everyone has been lonely at some point in their life, and that universality is what makes the story resonate.”

For Hawkins, the focus on connection amidst the cold vastness of space is what sets Animal apart from other sci-fi stories. “Space, in reality, is a void, with hundreds of thousands of light-years worth of travel between planets that consist of only ice, gas, and rock. I wanted to tell a story that focused on the need for connection in a universe that felt cold and unforgiving.”

Championing Local Talent

A staunch advocate for Utah’s burgeoning film scene, Hawkins emphasized the importance of involving local cast and crew in Animal. “Utah has a ton of untapped potential and is overlooked compared to other states,” he notes. “The talent and ambition here is unparalleled. The industry is smaller, but that’s an advantage. We have a growing community here that has the chance to solidify Utah as a filmmaker’s state.”

Hawkins plans to continue this approach in his upcoming feature film, an ’80s-inspired horror project. “We made Animal on a shoestring budget and a dream, so what’s stopping us from doing the same with another film? We’ll use local cast and crew, practical effects, and have a great time making something we love.”

A Film That Leaves Questions—and Hope

Hawkins hopes Animal will evoke a range of emotions and reflections from viewers. “I want audiences to love this duo and truly feel their pain and bond, wanting them both to succeed but unsure where it will take them next,” he says.

The film’s open-ended conclusion invites viewers to ponder the need for connection in their own lives. “We as humans are social creatures and need that sort of connection to thrive during our short time on Earth. I hope our viewers resonate with that!”

With Animal, Ethan Hawkins delivers a poignant exploration of humanity’s place in the universe, told through the lens of a small-scale, character-driven sci-fi story that feels both intimate and timeless.

Come see ANIMAL with the filmmakers at the Utah International Film Festival on Jan 8th at 3:00pm. Tickets available HERE.