Domhnall Gleeson Narrates Oscar-Nominated Short Retirement Plan

Retirement Plan, an independent animated short directed by Irish filmmaker John Kelly, is among this year’s Academy Award nominees. Domhnall Gleeson narrates Ray, a middle-aged man who lists the things he will do once he retires as the film shows his successes and failures.

Comprised of simple line animation and accompanied by a gentle piano score, the seven-minute short is an ode to the people we hope to be. Ray starts with small ambitions—read books, play video games, learn to juggle—and then takes on bigger tasks as he ages, attempting adventurous pastimes, trying hiking, and learning to appreciate good wine before approaching the larger acts of having the conversations he always meant to have and allowing himself to feel the emotions he has bottled up.

The story opens with quiet humor—he hates camping and decides participating in an orgy was a mistake—but it becomes more profound, asking what the meaning is behind checking off these tasks.

Ireland

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