SHORT REVIEW: THE BOY & THE OCTOPUS

4/5

Octopus's Garden

4 Mins. Starring: Solomon Horta & Solaya Sang. Director: Taika Waititi. On: Disney +.

'Tis the season to be squishy? Studio Ghibli's 'The Boy and the Heron' has some competition this year with the short-round of 'Thor-Ragnarok' and 'Jojo Rabbit' director Taika Waititi's (who last gave us, 'Next Goal Wins') 'The Boy & The Octopus', on streaming service Disney Plus, just in time for Christmas. From under the sea, to under the tree, Solaya Sang ('St. Baptitste's') can't believe it, as her son (newcomer Solomon Horta with more to come) emerges from the ocean, back on the beach, with the cutest octopus on his head.

The lifeguard can't do a thing about it, after lifting one tentacle. Stuck to his head, the boy and octopus are one. Talk about a "host" family for this festive season. So, Solomon learns to live with it...for the next four minutes. The boy makes a fond new friend in the cutest CG that will stay with you long after the decorations come down on twelfth night. They laugh and play together, even having lightsabre battles for the forthcoming 'Star Wars' director. This sweet short is a real marvel, between touching tinsel and baubles, to hinting at more Disney property than a short from 'The Simpsons' (who also have a new festive treat with the Derren Brown hypnotic Christmas double-episode, 'O C'mon All Ye Faithful').

Playing like the best John Lewis commercial, you will cry and feel as warm as all that. Even at all the not so subtle product promotion. But how does Mickey Mouse feel about having his own merchandise desecrated for the sweet spot? Feeling like something between 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' and 'The Snowman', 'The Boy & The Octopus' is another Waititi wonder (like the underrated 'Love and Thunder') that finds itself next to the beautiful Yuletide stop-motion of the girl and the owl in 'An Almost Christmas Story'. All as 'Mufasa: The Lion King' looks to do the 'Moana 2' sequel business this weekend. Get your tentacles into this. But remember, an octopus is for life, not just for Christmas. Put da takoyaki DAOWN! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Boy', 'Next Goal Wins', 'An Almost Christmas Story'.