Hey, Mia here!
I just have to talk about Yuck! (or Beurk! in French), because this little 2D animated film is absolutely stealing the spotlight at the 2025 Oscars. It’s got that perfect blend of simplicity and energy that makes it feel so alive—and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Directed by Loïc Espuche, Yuck! is a hilarious, heartfelt exploration of childhood’s messy mix of disgust and fascination, all centered around a bunch of kids at a campsite. The story is straightforward but packed with layers. Léo and his friends are completely repulsed by kissing—especially when they see adults doing it. They loudly call out “Yuck!” whenever they catch someone in the act, but there’s a twist: Léo starts feeling something more than just disgust when he sees his friend Lucie. Uh-oh. He secretly wants to try kissing, but he’s too scared of what the others will think. That’s where the fun and depth kick in.
The magic of Yuck! comes down to a few things. First, the performances: the voice work is done by real kids, and you can tell. Their delivery is natural, playful, and packed with energy, which brings this film’s world to life. You totally believe that these kids are on their summer holiday, navigating the chaos of their emotions while trying to make sense of the grown-up world.
The story also dives into something really profound—prejudice, internalized shame, and the awkwardness that comes with figuring out who you are. When Léo’s lips start glowing pink (the only special effect in the film), it’s a visual cue for his secret desire to kiss. But for him, it’s terrifying. He knows how others would react if they saw it, so he hides away. But of course, that’s not the end of the story. It’s a really beautiful, funny, and somewhat bittersweet look at growing up, discovering new feelings, and being afraid of what others think.
Espuche’s choice to have everything else in the film be simple—no outlines, solid colors, no unnecessary details—really highlights the pink, glittery mouths and keeps the focus where it needs to be: on the kids and their feelings. It’s a reminder that even simple animation can convey something incredibly powerful, especially when the storytelling is so on point.
And honestly? I can’t help but love the idea of a movie this simple, but so packed with life, making it to the Oscars. It’s a reminder that even with modest budgets, if you’ve got heart and a fresh perspective, you can create something that resonates. If you haven’t seen Yuck! yet, go check it out! It’s a gem.
