The Burden (2017)

In the vibrant tapestry of modern existence, on the backdrop of a bustling freeway, unfolds 'The Burden', a unique animated musical with a dramatic apocalyptic undertone. The story, split into four enthralling episodes, brings to life the monotonous and often unappreciated world of everyday labor, set within the walls of a supermarket, a long-term hotel, a call center, and a hamburger restaurant. The characters, artfully personified as animals, navigate through the daily grind in this generic marketplace. They combat their encroaching existential anxiety and the dull routine of their lives with captivating musical numbers, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. From cheerful tap routines that lighten the air with their rhythm, to haunting melodies echoing in the black of the night, the musical spectrum is as diverse as it is riveting. However, beneath this seemingly cheerful facade, a sense of impending doom looms. The notion of an apocalypse, rather than inducing fear, is perceived as a tantalizing escape from their tiresome reality. 'The Burden' is a beautiful yet poignant exploration of modern-day labor and existential struggles, brilliantly wrapped in a cloak of animated musicality. It draws you into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the end of days is seen as a liberating prospect.

The Burden is an animation movie.

The Burden is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.