Breaking down the Rules of Play

From pong to spin the bottle, basic modes of play are given new life in this bizarre short film.

This film defies summary because each scenario these strange, otherworldly creatures occupy creates the image of another game, another reference, another structure meant to be broken down within its own rules. Games by their nature require rules, but play is a limitless expanse. Creating a world full of wonder and games, but lacking a sense of joy, feels off-putting, but it makes for an unforgettable film.

Rules of Play has a hypnotic quality, emphasized by the sparse sound design and repetitive movement of the characters. Tackling the way that playfulness interacts with everyday lives, and not just games, director and animator Merlin Flugel toys with different expressions of fun in his work.