Starlit (2026)

-Written by Michelle Vorob.

2026 SLAMDANCE FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

An animated short film written and directed by Shannon Lee, Starlit is more visual than anything else. A technicolor animation with an abstract, surrealist edge, Starlit tells the story of three teenage girls who sneak out to a clandestine party. Cleverly, the guys they're meeting up with are literal aliens. 

Now, based on the film description, this film was a type of therapy for real-life events that didn't go as expected. There's something powerful about using art as a therapeutic tool and if this creative short was made to be that, even in part, I applaud and support Lee for that accomplishment. I hope it brought some closure to those affected. 

Now, on a purely critical note, I found the visuals and some of the audio irritating, especially during the opening sequence. I'm not sure if that was just me, or if the intent was to be purely unsettling, again, based on the assumed, underlying purpose of Starlit. I want to be clear that nothing traumatic happened in the film, it was simply a wild party, with a “fairy-tale” ending.

The premise of teenagers, especially teenage girls, sneaking out to a party, as we know, can end in all kinds of disaster. I'm not going to get into the general risk girls and women tend to face. Statistical facts on violence against women are plain as day. Even ignoring statistics, the phrase, “teenage girls sneaking out to a party” conjures up all kinds of scenarios, none of which are good. This is the premise of many a horror movie or drama.

Starlit clocks in under ten minutes and is certainly worth checking out, as it tells a story with both a message and an ending left up to your interpretation. The creative style and use of alien visitors captures the excitement and allure of sneaking out to a party, while cleverly showing the unknown risks also inherent in said endeavor. 

Written & Directed by Shannon Lee 

Starring (as unnamed voices) Molly Blakowski, Alan Jennings, Shannon Lee, Beth Murphy.

7/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE