The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales

Dirs. Benjamin Renner, Patrick Imbert. 2017, 83 mins. DCP. In English. The countryside is not always as calm and peaceful as it is made out to be, and the animals on this farm are particularly agitated: a fox who mothers a family of chicks, a rabbit who plays the stork, and a duck who wants to be Santa Claus. If you think life in the country is a walk in the park, think again! Creators of the Academy Award–nominated Ernest & Celestine, Benjamin Renner and Patrick Imbert adapt Renner’s own acclaimed graphic novel into a delirious, delightful triptych of interlocking stories, with slapstick pacing and visual spontaneity that harken back to classic Looney Tunes shorts. Their lively hand-drawn animation, dappled with delicate watercolor, is brought to life by a voice cast—both French and English—with excellent comic timing. Underneath the gags, the stories offer a sensitive and beautiful portrayal of family and the anxieties of modern life. Recommended for ages 5+