A comment on Cryptozoo.
Atmospheric, almost mystical sounds of a flugelhorn waft through the animated forest where two young adults pave their way for the beginning of this story. Soon they come across a fence. Is it a better life that’s waiting behind this fence? Perhaps even a utopia?
In the “Cryptozoo“ located behind this fence, Cryptids can live carefree. Cryptids are mythical creatures that often find their origins in Greek mythology. For example, there is a griffin, a combination of a lion and a bird of prey, as well as a manticore, a combination of a scorpion and a lion. Many of the Cryptids are half human, half mythical creatures. In the outside world, they are persecuted, murdered or exploited. According to the operators, Cryptozoo is a kind of „sanctuary,“ a place where Cryptids can live freely.
Cryptozoo makes use of animation functionalities in order to emphasize important elements and leave out unimportant ones. Individual images and symbols accompany what is said and the questions that are raised. Sometimes whole sceneries are shown, sometimes single persons or objects dominate. A symbiosis between images and music is created that could not easily be achieved in non-animated films. The audience’s attention is captured skillfully while the plot is conveyed in an entertaining way. While the animation style itself takes a little getting used to, it doesn’t gloss over anything. While it is a little whimsical, it is however coherent in itself. The animation style leaves the watchers a bit more detached, which allows a distance to the shocking brutality of the action. Once again, questions arise: why are people so terrible? Why do they always have to touch and destroy everything? Can’t they just step back and leave things undiscovered?
The storyline seems like a combination of „Jurassic Park“ and maybe an “Indiana Jones” or “James Bond” film: in search of a special cryptid, the main characters embark on a journey during which they experience dark adventures, illuminate different aspects of this world and ultimately leads to the showdown where the continued existence of this „utopia“ is at stake. In contrast to the gloomy outside world, the supposedly safe Cryptozoo is there to help the Cryptids live protected. But on the premises, that ideal concept that they tried to sell earlier seems rather like an amusement park, a little Disneyland where fascinating creatures are on display. After all, they also had to be financially profitable, and putting on a show is part of it.
Despite or just because of the positive presentation and presumably also positive intention of the Cryptozoo operators, questions are raised early on: Does such a zoo seriously represent the solution to how real inclusion can eventually be achieved? By allowing people to slowly „get used to“ the Cryptids? By isolating them from the outside world, whereby the Cryptids are being treated like zoo animals but at least are safe. Safe from the people who despise them, who are afraid of them and therefore persecute them. So, is being put on display better than being ostracized or persecuted? Isn’t this exactly what contributes to the fact that cryptids are always considered different? Or is this ultimately a barrier that cannot or even should not be overcome? How can the different goals of short-term safety and long-term inclusion be achieved?
While the story itself doesn’t bring much new in terms of plot, it is the way it is done that stands out in particular, allowing such a heavy subject matter to be dealt with in a different way. A bit more abstract, but still no less oppressive. With social issues that are of concern every day.
A little deterred by the animation style, I personally probably would not have chosen the film. However, this is an aspect to overlook as you are quickly getting used to the style. And after all, it is not always about the book’s cover, is it? The many analogies leave the watchers a bit depressed about the rather negative view on humanity, but encourage reflection and allow own interpretations. The film nevertheless leaves us with hope for a peaceful co-existence.
