A new Disney short has arrived on Disney+. Called Versa, this short tackles a very difficult subject that may be triggering for some. This subject is the loss of a child in childbirth. The short was created by Malcon Pierce, who went on his own personal journey to make it. This journey saw him facing immense grief and turning it into something good. Please note that some of the subject matter in this article could be hard to read. If this is a topic that is difficult for you, don’t continue reading past the following interview.
Malcon Pierce and his wife found themselves facing what no parent should ever have to face: the death of a baby. This is an unimaginably heartbreaking tragedy that is addressed in the short film Versa, which Pierce directed. The short evolved as Pierce and his wife Keely processed their feelings and communicated with each other about it all. What started as a symbolic story initially eventually became more realistic in an effort to communicate the reality of the experience. This came at the urging of Keely and an organization that helps couples deal with grief in situations like this. It was not an easy thing to do. However, the result really is powerful.
Versa is an artistic representation of what it is like to lose an infant. While it is full of symbolism, it is also very clear what the storyline is. During a discussion with Pierce, he shared that he was inspired by Fantasia 2000, particularly the Spring Sprite in the Firebird Suite. This short also has a theme of death and rebirth. Just like in Fantasia, the short relies on music and physical storytelling over dialogue to tell the story. If it had a classical piece accompanying it, instead of an original one, it would be easy to imagine this joining a new Fantasia project.
The short came out of collaboration on many levels. There was collaboration between Pierce and Keely. There was collaboration among the different contributors from both the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank and Vancouver. There was collaboration between the filmmaker and the non-profit that helps families who have lost infants. Pierce said on collaboration that “as we collaborate on these projects, you know, any voice can make a difference on these projects.” He shared several examples of this throughout his discussion. This included character design, story moments, and so much more. It demonstrated the power of a voice to make a difference. It also showed how his leadership approach of having the best idea win is also a powerful thing. On top of all of this, Disney didn’t ask for any changes to make this short easier to digest by viewers. It allowed the team behind Versa to make the short exactly the way they envisioned it.
True art is honest. It reflects the feelings and experiences of the artist. Versa does exactly this. It tackles a very difficult subject and shows how beauty can grow out of tragedy. It provides hope for those going through a difficult time like this. It does so in a beautiful way. This is a very difficult thing to do as a storyteller or artist. However, what comes out of this can really make a difference. Malcon Pierce and his wife have turned their grief into something that does good in the world. Along with personally supporting those who are going through a similar tragedy to theirs, this short also provides a glimmer of light for those in a dark time.
Versa is a beautiful, albeit difficult, film to watch. It is a short that I personally am very glad was made. Not only is it a wonderful reminder of the beauty that can grow out of tragedy, but it is also a reminder of the importance of honest storytelling. This was not the easy path to take with this short, but it was the right one. Because of it, this short is a work of art.
Have you seen Versa? If so, what did you think of it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
