Trainsformation is an animated short that reimagines depression as a literal “train of thought.” Fueled by coal marked with silly, monstrous faces, the train moves through a foggy landscape while smoke forms a larger, cartoonish monster overhead. This absurd, humorous take on depression invites viewers to engage with the topic in a more approachable, reflective way.
The train eventually ignores a “Do Not Enter. Danger.” sign, plunging into a cave and off a broken track. It crashes and disintegrates. In the quiet that follows, a subtle light touches the ashes. From this, the train is reborn,now golden, fast, and free. Streaks of gold slice across the screen, signaling transformation, clarity, and hope.
The animation shifts from muted tones and slow repetition to bursts of speed and light. These contrasts mirror the emotional journey at the heart of the film: struggle, collapse, and renewal. Sound and motion carry the viewer through the cycles of mental illness,without fear, but with honesty.
Trainsformation reflects my own experience with depression, using metaphor, irony, and visual storytelling to explore the possibility of moving forward. Even in the darkest tunnels, there is momentum. There is light.
