When I first saw the trailer for Living Large, I expected a quirky, animated romp — what I didn’t expect was a deeply touching coming-of-age story wrapped in clay, comedy, and Czech charm. Kristina Dufková’s stop-motion creation might look whimsical on the surface, but trust me, it delivers far more than just laughs.
Plot Overview: Chubby Dreams and Big Transformations
At the centre of this delightful Czech-French-Slovak co-production is Ben Pipette, a 12-year-old boy with an appetite for food, music, and first love. He’s round, sweet-natured, and a dreamer — often the butt of jokes from his classmates. When he decides to win the heart of his crush, Claire, Ben embarks on a quest for self-improvement that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreakingly honest. It’s a familiar premise, yes, but here it’s reimagined with warmth, wit, and a refreshing lack of cynicism.
Director’s Vision: Clay and Courage
Kristina Dufková, known for her flair in animated storytelling, steers Living Large with a confident hand. Her use of stop-motion isn’t just a stylistic choice — it’s the soul of the film. Every movement feels textured, tangible, and lovingly crafted. By adapting Mikaël Ollivier’s novel into this medium, she invites us into a handmade world that feels far more real than any glossy CGI could.
Performances: Expressive Voices, Real Emotions
Even without seeing their faces, the voice cast bring these characters fully to life. Hugo Kovács lends Ben an endearing innocence, while the likes of Tatiana Dyková and Jiří Bartoška ground the adult characters with depth and heart. It’s a tight ensemble, and every voice feels perfectly suited to their clay-crafted alter egos.
Cinematography & Sound: Stop-Motion Brilliance
Shot with Nikon Z6 cameras, the animation boasts striking detail. From the careful textures of Ben’s bedroom to the vibrant messiness of the school cafeteria, each frame feels lovingly assembled. The score dances between playful and poignant, never overpowering the story but always nudging the emotion along.
Themes & Symbolism: More Than a Weighty Issue
Living Large explores self-image, bullying, and the pressures young people face around identity. But rather than preach, it gently guides. There’s a strong message here about self-worth and transformation—not about changing who you are to be loved, but becoming who you already are, fully and joyfully.
Audience Reactions: USA vs. UK
In the UK, Living Large has resonated with festival-goers and family audiences alike, thanks to its distinctive animation and British-leaning humour (think dry wit and awkward charm). Meanwhile, American viewers have been drawn to its universal themes and fresh animation style, though some found the pacing more measured compared to Hollywood animations. It’s doing particularly well with indie animation lovers in both regions.
Final Verdict
I walked into Living Large expecting a light snack, and left feeling full — emotionally and creatively. It’s a film with both visual charm and narrative heart, and one that proves even the most modest characters can tell the biggest stories.
- IMDb Rating: Not yet rated
- Runtime: 80 minutes
- Budget: 25.5 million CZK
- Production Companies: Barletta, Czech Television, NOVINSKI, Novanima Productions
Recommendation: Don’t miss this. Whether you’re young, young-at-heart, or just hungry for something original, Living Large is a delightful treat.
