One Small Step (2018)
Directors: Andrew Chesworth, Bobby Pontillas
Screenwriters: Andrew Chesworth, Bobby Pontillas
Taiko Studios’ Oscar-nominated animated short One Small Step, created by Andrew Chesworth and Bobby Pontillas, is a compact and deeply affecting piece of storytelling that proves the emotional power of visual narration. At its heart is the coming-of-age journey of Luna, a Chinese American girl who dreams of becoming an astronaut. The film relies on imagery, gesture, and a carefully crafted musical score more than on dialogue, demonstrating how nearly silent cinema can still deliver profoundly moving highs and lows.
The short traces key moments from Luna’s childhood through adulthood, mapping ambition, setbacks, and family bonds against the wider backdrop of space exploration. The central relationship between Luna and her father — a humble cobbler who repairs shoes and quietly encourages her fascination with the stars — is the emotional anchor. Small, everyday acts of care, like fixing worn shoes or making a sandwich, are rendered with tenderness and used to underline the film’s core idea: that ordinary support makes extraordinary dreams possible.
Visually, One Small Step blends Eastern and Western animation influences to create an expressive, human-centered style. The filmmakers pay careful attention to subtle facial expressions and body language, giving Luna a fully realized personality in every phase of her life. Even brief moments are animated with precision and warmth; these details accumulate to form a portrait that feels authentic and resonant. Such craft is what one expects from an Oscar-nominated animated short, and the film meets that expectation with quiet confidence.
Music plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s emotional arc. The score accentuates shifts between joy and struggle, guiding the viewer through Luna’s successes and disappointments without heavy-handed exposition. This interplay of sound and silence heightens the emotional stakes: where words are absent, music speaks, and where music retreats, the image alone carries meaning. The result is an accessible, almost universal emotional language that invites audience investment.
One Small Step also stands out for its respectful portrayal of culture and family. Luna’s identity as a Chinese American is present in lived-in details rather than declared slogans; the story focuses on shared humanity and aspiration. The father’s quiet pride and enduring support are depicted as essential forces in Luna’s growth. The film suggests that the small, persistent acts of love and labor performed by family members are as significant to achievement as the public milestones that follow.
At just under eight minutes, the short makes every second count. Its pacing allows emotions to land without rushing, giving viewers room to feel the weight of both triumph and loss. The filmmakers’ decision to tell this story economically — with tight visual storytelling and a lean script — reinforces the film’s thematic claim: that seemingly small steps accumulate into something greater.
For viewers who appreciate animated storytelling that balances heart and craft, One Small Step is a rewarding experience. It combines strong direction, thoughtful writing, expressive animation, and a sensitive score to deliver a compact but complete emotional journey. Whether you are drawn to stories about family, ambition, or the human side of scientific dreams, this short offers a memorable, moving portrait of perseverance and love.
19/24