Endling

A warm-hearted man is looking after the world's last surviving goldfish.

The golfish has become an endangered species and the last one, a female named Pao Pao has been taken to the Endling House of Assisted Living, which is a facility that accommodates and protects the last one of each species. There, she is looked after by Richard (Dun), a kind, Eastern Asian elderly gentleman, who has been doing so for the last three years.

This short is presented as a documentary, with a film crew documenting primarily Richard as he responsibly takes care of the precious fish. As it is his duty to see to Pao Pao's well-being all day everyday, he is rather committed, fixing up the room she lives in with joyful colours, as well as arranging all the other things the fish requires in order to live inside a fish tank and even making attempts to entertain Pao Pao. Richard comes across as very friendly, cheerful and polite and his presence is arguably one of the best aspects of this film. Worth mentioning is a stunt he performs dressed as a goldfish.

The film crew also concentrate on the scientists at the facility, whose goal is to study Pao Pao for the benefit of humanity. By interviewing Bat Zenilman (Capri), a goldfish ichthyologist, it is indicated that the future of goldfish is not taken under much consideration, a theory that is also evident in a news report.

Interestingly (or maybe bizarrely), other endangered entities in the facility such as a penguin, a wolf and a zebra are seen, however not alive, instead appear to be statues or stuffed. Considering that this is a place that protects animals, it would seem unethical that such things would be there. However, from another perspective, their presence could be to address a factor that leads to animal extinction, that eliminating animals in order to stuff them is a reason why they become extinct.

The opening animated sequence is one of the film's highlights, thanks to the creative work by design and production studio Fifth Atrium. The animation contains a great mix of colours and looks beautiful and it tells the fictionalised story about how the first ever goldfish came to be. To make things even better, it is narrated by Dun.

Evidently, the film is a commentary about species extinction and to some extent, it points out people's indifference regarding this issue. For instance, Capri's character appears to be epitomising people's lack of care regarding endangered species. On the other hand, Richard represents quite the opposite, which is the undivided support that can be provided.

This short serves as a reminder that animal extinction is an issue that must be dealt with and (more optimistically) that there are people who are determined to support the animals. The film carries an important message and it makes itself rather viewable thanks to Dun's amiable character and Alex Mansour's light-hearted and melancholic music.