I will confess that I tend to regard myself as a fan of European family films over the vast majority of American-made family films. While there are certainly exceptions, for the most part it seems like European directors are able to find that delicate mix of entertainment, values and respect for their target audiences. For the most part, Hollywood seems to take a "throw it at the screen" approach and hope that something sticks, but European directors tend to be more thoughtful, insightful and patient with their audiences while very seldom talking down to children.

 

Case in point - Eliot & Me, a lovely 52-minute short film about a young girl, Lucy (Ella Connolly), struggling to come to terms with her parents' separation. She rescues a dog named Eliot, but tragedy strikes when Eliot goes missing. Lucy must embark on a dangerous effort to find him.

 

Eliot & Me is a warm and gentle family film, featuring a wonderful performance from Ella Connolly and a heart and spirit that will warm dog lovers and family film lovers alike. The film bears an easy comparison to the British made version of Lassie, though that comparison is a tad unfair as Eliot & Me is a delight all its own.

 

Its warm heart and winning spirit will likely breeze through your mind for days after watching the young Connolly and this adorable Yorkshire Terrier.

 

 

-Richard Propes

The Independent Critic