Save Ralph (2021)

Introduction
"Save Ralph" is an animated brief film launched in 2021, developed to bring widespread attention and advocacy against animal testing in the cosmetics market. Directed by Spencer Susser, composed by Susser and produced by Jeff Vespa, "Save Ralph" is a project by Humane Society International and launched in several languages to reach a global audience. The film strikes home, especially as it cleverly utilizes humor and feeling woven into its narrative.

Plot Summary
The movie is a mockumentary including Ralph, an endearing, talking bunny, who is a lab animal. Ralph is the protagonist, who is being interviewed about his job of being a tester in a laboratory for a cosmetics company. The film opens with Ralph, voiced by Taika Waititi, resting on his couch. Aesthetically impaired and physically scarred, yet optimistically expressing his helplessness and approval of his life in cosmetics screening. He merely views it as his work, almost normalising the inhumane conditions withstood by him and his household.

Characters
Apart from Ralph, the movie presents other characters too. There is Ralph's recruiter; a caterpillar called Carlos, a Russian lab bunny named Cottonballs, and other animals shown in the background, representing the countless animals worldwide utilized for cosmetic screening.

Advocacy Message
Despite the light tone, "Save Ralph" delivers an effective and impactful message. The director skillfully uses the casual, nonchalant attitude Ralph has towards his excruciating life to strongly highlight the scaries of animal screening. The scarred and injured bunny who has already lost his family in the labs accepts his devastating circumstances as 'regular', ridiculously communicating the harsh reality of animals who undergo experiments. This paradoxical joviality amidst the agonizing narrative makes the movie relatable, thought-provoking, and ultimately, a call to end animal screening.

Execution
The film, barely 4 minutes long, uses a mix of 3D animation (for the characters) along with detailed stop-motion sets. The rich details of the puppetry, combined with innovative recording strategies and an emotive score, make the film aesthetically attractive and engaging. The star-studded voice cast contributes considerably to the impact of the story. Together with Waititi, other voiceover artists include Ricky Gervais, Zac Efron, Olivia Munn, Tricia Helfer and Pom Klementieff.

Conclusion
"Save Ralph" is a pioneering film that aims to reduce, and ideally get rid of, animal cruelty in the name of cosmetics screening. It belongs to a more comprehensive international campaign that involves several nations interacting to prohibit animal-tested products. By using a friendly and empathetic character like Ralph, the movie successfully illustrates the plain truth of cosmetic screening laboratories, prompting viewers to think, understand, and hopefully, act. While the subject could easily become overwhelming, its light-hearted storytelling makes it an easily available and engaging watch, all while driving home an extensive message.

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