Little Man Tate

Little Man Tate is currently streaming in Australia on Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Kanopy, and it uses the format for more than just a visual hook. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. 341 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. A harder one to justify skipping than to start. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, Little Man Tate is worth clearing space for. Little Man Tate has the visual identity that makes it immediately recognisable, and the writing to back it up. Dede is a sole parent trying to bring up her son Fred. When it is discovered that Fred is a genius, she is determined to ensure that Fred has all the opportunities that he needs, and that he is not taken advantage of by people who forget that his extremely powerful intellect is harboured in the body and emotions of a child. Jodie Foster and Dianne Wiest lead a cast that brings real weight to the material. It was released in 1991. The animation style is distinctive enough to be immediately recognisable, but it is the writing underneath that keeps viewers coming back for more. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Little Man Tate works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious in ways that hold up regardless of format. Worth watching in order from the beginning.