Kitbull

A Pixar short about a kitten and a pit bull who become friends. What's not to love?

This is the first directorial effort from Rosanna Sullivan, who has previously contributed to Monsters University and Incredibles 2. It has the usual wide-eyed, anthropomorphic characters that viewers love, but takes on some darker themes, and its young protagonist is the literally the spikiest Pixar creation to date.

Life is tough for a small kitten in the big city, but this one isn't scared, boldly going on an adventure through the streets to find a fish for supper before returning to the yard where a few home comforts await - a cardboard box with soft fabric inside and a plush elephant to snuggle up to. Unfortunately, this little stray's ideal of paradise is rudely disrupted when one of the humans who lives beside the yard deposits a snarling pit bull in it. All teeth and drool, this comparatively huge newcomer terrifies the little kitten. Only the presence of a chain provides any sense of security. But over time, through the magic of games, the two form a tentative bond, and when the kitten realises that the dog is being abused, everything changes.

There's a plea here for sympathy for gentle dogs with a bad reputation - perhaps for anyone in need of care who doesn't have the advantage of looking like a cute little pussy cat. But what really makes this film affecting is the way the kitten's character is conveyed through the animation. The behaviours of a small cat with a big attitude, scared but brave, determined but easily distracted, are beautifully observed. Sleek fur turns into a mass of spikes at the slightest provocation. Claws come out and this tiny creature does its best to intimidate the bemused dog with a fierceness so intense that it sometimes falls over as a result. Despite focusing on the most anti-social aspects of cat behaviour, it's really quite adorable.

With a simple story that makes it accessible to viewers of all ages (though parents will need to be ready to talk through the animal abuse issues with young kids), this is a little gem, well worth seeking out.