There’s a rare breed of short film that starts with a punchline and ends up feeling like a hug—and We’re Kinda Different is exactly that. Ben Meinhardt’s three-minute oddball musical won me over instantly. It’s goofy, sharp, and sneaks up on emotion while you’re busy laughing at a cartoon butt with a face.

It opens with a curious premise: a tiny figure whose butt resides beneath its actual face, cheerfully singing about how different it is—and how that difference just might be its superpower. The song is absurd, off-kilter, and impossibly catchy; the tune lodged itself in my head long after the final note faded. But beneath that silliness lies something sweet and sincere: a disarming reminder that our quirks are what make us interesting, and that you don’t need to hide them.

I think the real magic comes because the character was actually drawn by Meinhardt’s son. That blend of childlike charm and sharp humor gives the short both its innocence and its edge. You sense the tradition of absurdist indie animation (some of the spirit reminds me of Don Hertzfeldt), but with an added layer of warmth. It’s easy to laugh, but even easier to lean in and feel seen.

Despite its playful tone, We’re Kinda Different earned serious festival cred, popping up at animation festivals and winning spots in curated online picks. It lands in that sweet spot where the internet’s love for quirky animation meets heartfelt, bite-sized storytelling.

For creators, this is a lesson in embracing the strange. Sometimes the most memorable stories aren’t about saving the world—they’re about standing out, being silly, and daring to sing your truth, even if it’s about your butt.

So if you need a micro-dose of joy with a side of self-acceptance, hit play on We’re Kinda Different. It’s just three minutes—but it sticks with you in the best possible way.