Large Fierce Mammal

Directed by former Student Academy Award finalist Carlos Andre Stevens, voiced by the incomparable John Hurt and Eloise Webb, The Alchemist’s Letter is just what the chirurgeon ordered.

The Alchemist’s Letter is a 2015 animated short film that tells a story likely to echo in the darkest and most personal catacombs of what those who frequent here might call their spirit.

When Veridian, an estranged young man, receives his late alchemist father Nicolas’ inheritance (voice of Academy Award nominated John Hurt), he is exposed to the ill-fated reality that his father built a tumultuous gold making machine powered by his own memories. The film takes us on an enchanted journey through the vessels of the machine where we explore the contents of the alchemist’s most precious memories, all in an attempt to give his son one last life lesson and save him from following down the same fateful path.

Sit back, I would suggest with an exceptionally dark ale or the most chewy Merlot you can find, and enjoy this bit of genius.