Pixar Short About the Friendship Between an Abused Pitbull and a Stray Kitten Has Given People the Feels
Pixar has a knack for turning small stories into big emotional swings, and Kitbull is no exception. The YouTube short follows an unlikely bond between a stray kitten and an abused pitbull, and it has quickly struck a nerve with viewers.
Set in San Francisco, the film pairs Pixar’s familiar heart with a different visual style, which makes the story feel even more distinctive. That mix of tenderness, loneliness, and hope is exactly why people have been talking about it so much.
Here’s a closer look at Kitbull and the reactions it has sparked.
About 'Kitbull'
'Kitbull' is a Pixar short that is part of their new SparkShorts program. It was written and directed by Rosana Sullivan and produced by Kathryn Hendrickson. Regarding how this short came about, writer/director Rosana Sullivan shared...
“To be fully honest, it started from a cat video. I love watching cat videos in times of stress. And I thought, you know what, I just want to draw a little kitten doing something silly and very, very cat-like. At first, I just wanted to create something that made me feel good and was fun, but it evolved into something more personal to me. Eventually, I realized that growing up, I was always very sensitive and very shy, and I had a lot of trouble making connections and forming friendships. So I related to this kitten because it never really stepped out of its comfort zone to be vulnerable and make a connection. That’s eventually what the story became,”
The Story
The story is primarily told from the point of view of the kitten, who is (as Rosana Sullivan) shy and unwilling to make a connection. The short then depicts the slow but eventual development of the friendship between the kitten and a pitbull living next door, who is being mistreated by its owner. The pair gradually grow fond of one another and build a trusting friendship.
Pixar took a different path with this one, and the change in style makes the story hit even harder.
Watch 'Kitbull' Here
People were quick to share how much this short film got to them.
Here are some of the responses this short film has received...
Too True.
A lot of viewers seem to be feeling the same thing.
Speaking of heart-melting bonds, this is similar to the pit bull who becomes an orphaned squirrel’s “mom”.
I'm not quite sure what that means, but I completely agree.
The kitten hooks you from the very beginning.
That first impression clearly stuck with people.
It's great to see they got the relationship right while also creating a beautiful story.
Too true. Pixar is the master of making me feel things.
Pixar really knows how to pull at the heartstrings.
Want more unlikely pals, like the bulldog and rescued fox that sleep together nightly?
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