The Boy and the Heron

This wonderfully strange animated film is rich with symbolism about violence, hierarchy, and fate.

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This post is part of the ‘One Take’ weekly series analysing the politics of a film currently showing at the cinemas.

Content warnings: Bereavement; Self-harm; Pregnancy and complications.

Note: Given that, at time of writing, The Boy and the Heron is still showing in UK cinemas, this analysis only lays out as much of the film’s scenario as is necessary so as to avoid spoilers. It is therefore suitable to be read either before or after watching the film, while hopefully still enriching the viewer’s appreciation of it either way.