Dandelion’s Odyssey is a beautiful depiction of the cycle of life. The film is an odyssey of four dandelions who are the only survivors of a series of nuclear explosions that destroy the Earth. Dandelion’s Odyssey, screened at CIFF, is a story about survival, friendship, and the creation of life. The film won the FIPRESCI Award at the 2025 Cannes Critics’ Week.
The Odyssey
The film begins with a look at the galaxy that soon transforms into a dandelion. Soon, we are transported to a forest, watching the dandelion flower come to life. Creation quickly turns to chaos and destruction. After the Earth is burned completely, we see the four dandelions: Dendelion, Baraban, Léonto, and Taraxa embark on a journey to find a place to settle.
The dandelions walk through shifting ice packs, rainforests, and deserts, moving through seasons. We see the many ways a delicate creature like the dandelion can face death. This mirrors humans and all living creatures, striving to survive and cherish moments with loved ones.
Animation and Style
Guionne Leroy is the animator of Dandelion’s Odyssey. The animation beautifully portrays the creation of life and immerses us in nature’s beauty. The experimental animation of growth and movement in nature, combined with attention to detail, mesmerizes the audience. Momoko Seto, the director, chooses to make the film dialogue-free. This challenges the viewer to interpret meaning without words. As we ‘hear’ the dandelions talk, we understand their language, made up of fluting and ethereal melodies.
Music and Sound
Music and sound deepen our connection to the film. The composers Nicolas Becker and Quentin Sirjacq use music as a vital part of the storytelling. The music builds the atmosphere of the story from stressful to loving and peaceful moments. Gilles Marsalet’s sounds are a beautiful combination of nature and animal sounds, which intensifies every moment.
Human Connection
The dandelions resemble humans through survival instincts and moments of love, care, and security. The director invites us to see life from their perspective. Even the shapes of the dandelions reveal aspects of their characters.
Viewer’s Interpretation
Each viewer can interpret the film in their own way since it’s dialogue-free and an open illustration of life. Dandelion’s Odyssey is a depiction of the cycle of life with detailed animation, beautiful sounds, and emotional resonance. It leaves audiences with a deeper appreciation for every living and breathing creature.