By Serena Wooten
Aikane, a short animated film by Daniel Sousa, Dean Hamer, and Joe Wilson, tells the story of a warrior who, after being wounded in battle, is saved by what first appears to be an octopus—but is actually a handsome young man. What follows is a love story for the ages.
This film is a must-watch for Disney fans; the animation style is smooth, detailed, vibrant, and evokes the feel of a Disney fairytale: a prince, magic, and a unique love story set against adventure and a battle with an unbeatable foe.
What stands out is the film’s masterful visual storytelling. With no dialogue, the animation and character actions speak volumes, immersing the viewer in the filmmakers’ underwater universe.
The love story is beautifully balanced with the heroic journey—rarely achieved in short films. Aikane lives up to its cultural meaning: an intimate same-sex partner of a chief or warrior who stood beside them with loyalty and strength.
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Serena Wooten is an Msc Psychology graduate with a passion for travel, books, and films. She is currently pursuing a career in PR and Communications, and hopes to find her way and make an impact in the world of media and film. Her favorite thing to do is to go to the movies on the weekends or catch the latest MARVEL release on opening night . . . and yes, she does psychologically analyze every character storyline in every film she watches.
