He’s on His Last Life
The Shrek Cinematic Universe (SCU) expands to a more mature theme
How does Dreamworks’s newest addition to the recently lackluster Shrek universe have a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes? Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has quickly begun to dominate cinematic discourse, surprisingly matching acclaim for James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water and becoming the people’s choice. Critics and audiences alike sang praise for the movie. I had to see what it had to offer, and it ended up being the best way to start the new year.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish follows the tried-and-true Pixar formula: be family-friendly and hammer home an important life lesson. In the midst of the fantastic animation and astonishing emotional weight, the movie’s depiction of death stood out. The very mature topic is not untouched by these types of movies (e.g. Up, Big Hero 6, Soul), but The Last Wish tackles death from a unique perspective.
Puss felt immortal with his nine lives, however, he lived the first eight in vain. There was no pressure. He “laughed in the face of death,” and after dying foolishly eight times, it was clear he didn’t value his life. The movie’s condemnation of the coveted concept of immortality reinforces its message that death and mortality are necessary to appreciate life.
He spends the entire film coming to terms with his newfound mortality, retiring from his role as the legendary feline outlaw, but later decides to pursue the wishing star to restore his nine lives. His visceral fear of Death, the concept personified as the antagonist of the movie, is beautifully depicted by the animation, as we watch him freeze, fur standing up, as his eyes widen in pure terror.
The film’s sound design and sharp animation with regards to Death amplify his presence (think Rattlesnake Jake from Rango). Everytime Death appears, his bone chilling whistle follows, completely changing the tone of the scene immediately. We’re meant to feel what Puss is feeling: that Death is indeed terrifying.
While the movie chronicles Puss’s journey of coming to terms with his mortality, the story makes clear that death is actually not something to be feared. He remains on his last life, but chooses to live it to the fullest with those he cherishes around him.
The Last Wish interprets death differently than other animated installations. In the end, Puss learns that accepting death motivates us to live our lives to the fullest. It gives life value. Our time is limited, and without that pressure, we likely won’t do as much with what little we have. We learn to cherish others’ limited time with us.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish gave us a more positive outlook on death, showing how it enhances our lives rather than simply being the end. It encourages us to follow in Puss’s footsteps and appreciate living, instead of fearing death or living without a care.