'Save Ralph (2021)' is a simple but effective stop-motion short film that acts as a PSA about the inherent (and, frankly, obvious) cruelty of animal testing, ending with a plea to end the practice once and for all. It directly calls out the fact that the people who buy animal-tested products are actually helping to perpetuate the practice, regardless of their views on the matter. It also points out the, I suppose, pointlessness (or, perhaps, absurdity) of such a practice. After all, why is an animal's life less important than a stick of lipstick? The piece is styled as a documentary, following its eponymous rabbit as he gets ready for 'work' and discusses the injuries he has incurred from it. The character has been conditioned to think his job is a necessary part of his existence, that he serves only to help humans figure out if a cosmetic product is fit for public release, but he also has moments of reflection that cause his internal sadness to subtly rise to the surface. The performance, which is mostly perpetuated by the visuals but is also helped by Taika Waititi's voicework, is actually really nuanced. As such, it's pretty powerful. The same can be said of the overall affair. Though I was aware of animal testing and its inherent inhumanity, I never actually gave much thought to the products I was using. I sort of naively assumed that animal testing wasn't really a thing in the west anymore. This short proves that it isn't the case and does so in a really empathetic way. It has inspired me to pay attention to the cosmetics I buy; I've already done some research as to what indications should be present on the packaging to ensure the product is 'cruelty-free'. As such, it's safe to say that the piece has served its purpose. It's a profoundly sad experience, but it's one that's rooted entirely in an uncomfortable truth that we all should face. It's easy to dismiss animal testing when it only exists on the periphery; if you feel even a modicum of empathy for Ralph, you owe it to yourself (not to mention the animals) to stop supporting animal testing. 8/10.
Review of Save Ralph
