Have been really impressed by Pixar's Sparkshorts short films, where lesser efforts have still been of high quality. Have really admired the poignant yet also entertaining handling of mature and in some cases brave themes (some not done in animation before, like 'Out') that Pixar had not done before. Most were very well received (like with 'Twenty Something' with the inner child coming out), but others like 'Purl' with sexism in the workplace were more polarising.
'Nona' isn't one of the best Sparkshort short films and to me it's one of the lesser efforts. But that it is that and still manages to be very good with many excellent things that far outweigh the not so good (nothing downright bad here) says a lot about how exceptionally high the quality of the Sparkshort short films are. Do prefer 'Twenty Something' of the 2021 Sparkshorts short films, but only because the subject matter in that resonated with me more and the execution of it likewise.
There is not much actually here that is wrong and the not so good things are not inherently bad. The story is very slight and could have been sharper in pace perhaps.
As said, 'Twenty Something' and other Sparkshorts short films moved and resonated with me more and had braver themes.
So much is great though in 'Nona'. As to be expected from Pixar, the animation is full of vibrancy and meticulous detail in the backgrounds and character animation. The music has presence while not being overdone in placement or volume, perfect for something that is pretty intimate. The characters, as one hopes from watching anything from Pixar, are endearing and not too hard to identify with.
It also has a good and wholly relevant message about compromise without ever over explaining or preaching, which can be dangers with messaging. It also doesn't feel like we are being beaten around the head. Not to mention the affectionate portrayal of childhood memories, that actually was identifiable, and the family life depiction while not entirely subtle charms and amuses.
Concluding, very good indeed. 8/10.
